About this Book

An authoritative discussion of commercial sex which posits the theory that problems found in the sex trades are not intrinsic to the exchange of sex for money. Chapkis re-defines prostitution as 'sex-work' and elaborates the distinctions between sex as act or performance, capable of being detached from the body of the worker, and sex as an expression of an inner self, which when 'sold' damages the woman involved.

Drawing on empirical research from the US and Europe, it includes extensive interview material from 'sex workers', such as Annie Sprinkle, alongside anti-censorship activists, prostitutes and AIDS workers.