From Abject to Subject: Some Thoughts on Sex Work as a Missing Link in Feminist Understandings of Sexuality

Authors

  • Kathryn Payne is a writer, steward, labour educator and slut. Recently, her work has been published in Brazen Femme, Bent and Geeks, Misfits and Outlaws. Her book of poems, Longing at Least is Constant, was published by Broken Jaw Press in 1998.

Abstract

This essay presents some thoughts on the framing of sex work at various stages in the development of Western women's movements. The tenets of victim feminism are critiqued. Observations and impressions from the author's sex work experience support the need for sex worker participation in feminist theorizing about sexuality. Résumé Cet article présente certaines pensées sur le cadre de l'industrie du sexe à différentes étapes dans le développement des mouvements de femmes occidentaux. Les principes du féminisme de la victime sont critiqués. Les observations et les impressions tirées de l'expérience de l'auteure dans l'industrie du sexe supportent le besoin d'avoir la participation de la travailleuse de l'industrie du sexe dans l'élaboration de la théorie féministe sur la sexualité.

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Published

2007-09-09

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2007): "Sexy Feminisms"

Section

Original Research

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