A Level of Choice

Many people are curious about the level of choice that individuals who are involved in sex work might have. When you say the term “sex worker”, some people imagine a person who is being used and violated against their will, whereas others might think of individuals who are in control of their bodies and the work they do. To clarify the difference in both of these viewpoints, here is a breakdown of what the difference is between exploitation verses self- determination in sex work.

Exploitation:
A person who is involved in sex work under the age of 18 is always considered exploitation. In Alberta, any person who is under the age of 18 is not considered willfully involved in sex work or prostitution.
• A person who is 18 years and over who experience any of the following;
- External forces dictate their activities: poverty, homelessness, addiction
- Coerced or forced to provide sexual favors through guilt, threats, blackmail etc.
- Lured or tricked into the sex work industry
- Human trafficking

Self-Determination:
• A mentally competent consenting adult
• An individual who identifies that sex work is something they chose without coercion
• An individual who is in charge of his or her earnings, the services they provide, the hours and location in which he or she works and the ability to screen his/her dates
• An individual who recognizes that sex work is an occupation in its own right and has made the choice to earn their livelihood this way.

Having said all that, not every person involved in sex work is either completely exploited or has complete self-determination. This is a continuum in which there may be some gray area in between. Also, a person may change or move on this continuum as his or her life circumstances change. Another variable to consider when referring to the continuum is a sex worker may have a different level of choice with different dates depending on the circumstance and relationship surrounding the date.

The difference between exploitation and self-determination can be confusing, but it is crucial to recognize how the sex worker defines his or her own level of choice. Assuming everyone involved in sex work is exploited means that we make judgments about sex workers, their choices and their rights. It is equally important to acknowledge that there is exploitation in the sex industry and work to support those who might be experiencing it.