this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2023
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Its a perfectly reasonable option for those that for whatever reason are unable to meet their needs by more conventional/ socially acceptable means. I do not make use of sex worker services currently but if the need arose in the future I would not rule it out, and would not look down on anyone else for doing so (as long as trafficing is not involved)
One situation where I think it's perfectly rational to use sexual services is for mentally handicapped people who have no realistic options for actual relationships. I live in Denmark where prostitution is legal on some conditions. The healthcare staff sometimes have to order prostitutes for their clients to cope with their urges and thereby avoiding violent situations from someone getting too frustrated. The client pays themselves and it's both men and women using the option. The sex workers in these jobs are usually not found in back alleys or dodgy websites but through personal networks. It's still very taboo.
I wonder how these clients are treated in countries where it is outright illegal. Probably not at all, or by illegal methods.
The main problem seems to be trafficking, not the sex services. Everyone does something for money that they really don't want to do, like going to the office 40 hours every week.
If it was possible and required to verify the consensuality, it would probably remove a lot of the illegal services, and more legal services could thrive. There'll always be ways to work around it, so it's a difficult thing to address.
I canβt understand how people can compare these jobs. Does working in an office really feels the same for you than having sex with strangers?
They're comparable only in being something that I'd rather not do, but apparently possible for the right amount.
They're different in the going rate.
Personally, there are many other jobs that I I'd be less willing to do.
Do you think it would be okay for a state to, for example, cut off social benefits for a person who canβt find any other job but refuses to do sex work?
No, that would be wrong, but there is always some form of work out there that isnt sex work - it may not be pleasant or well paid though
Do you really think sex work is pleasant?
Most sex workers are from poor countries, many are single mothers who have to send money back home. Often times there is a pimp (or "boyfriend") in the back who expects some kind of debt payments.
How do you explain that about 95 % of sex workers are disenfranchised women from poor countries when it's supposedly a pleasant job that makes a lot of money?
That's not at all what he said. He just said these hypothetical other jobs may not be pleasant or well paid. He never said - or implied - that sex work IS pleasant or well paid.
Calm down, sparky.