“I Cannot Think of Something More Complimentary”: Body Image Among Sex Work Providers

Individuals whose bodies are displayed in sexualized manners may experience self-objectification; however, it is also possible that engagement in sexualized activities may be understood through the lens of positive body image. Sex work is a multi-layered profession, workers experience a variety of interactions across a multitude of contexts, and their bodies play a key role in the perception of those experiences. In particular for the workers in this study, sex work may be viewed as a process that enhances appreciation of body functionality. This study examined body-related beliefs and attitudes among sex workers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (N = 50) gathered through snowball sampling who engaged in one or more sexual activities for payment (e.g., webcam performers, escorts). Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Findings indicate that participants experienced varying attitudes and beliefs about their bodies, however, positive body image themes were predominant. Participants described their engagement in sex work as a facilitator of positive body image, and particularly of appreciation of body functionality. Receiving positive verbal, behavioral, and financial feedback from clients strengthened positive body-related attitudes. Participants also described feeling empowered by the flexibility and diversity of appearance and body size norms in the sex work subculture. Future work is needed to understand how positive body-related attitudes may also connect to behavioral indicators of positive body image (e.g., safe sex practices).