As we are entering late stage capitalism, a thorny subject is beginning to crystallise in the public consciousness: class. As the divide between the working class and capitalist ruling class grows wider, we are all being forced to face this uncomfortable but vital topic. Sex work is no exception to that. Sex work is and has been one of the only well paid professions that working class women, without a formal education or training, can access.
It is a lifeline to working mums, disabled people, and many others who would not have access to a liveable income without it. It is not the preserve of the working class, though, and over recent decades we have seen more of those who would be considered middle or even upper class entering the industry.
Think Lily Allen selling foot content on OnlyFans, or the wealthy, middle class Dommy Mommies. In recent years we have seen a large influx of people who do not see sex work as a means for survival. This brings up many uncomfortable conversations and questions.
In recent years we have seen a large influx of people who do not see sex work as a means for survival.
The industry is at peak saturation for many reasons, including the covid pandemic, the national minimum wages being unliveable everywhere, and the cost of living absolutely sky rocketing. Many people who entered sex work for the extra money have been transformed into survival workers.
In this space class becomes very apparent. Is it morally acceptable to enter an industry that is a lifeline to so many when you have other employment options that they don't? I often see the idea that because each provider is unique you'll naturally attract what's 'for you' and not suffer because of this 'over-saturation'. However, as civilian salaries are stripped and sex work services become a true luxury, people who are more able to meet the current beauty standard are likely be to more easily secure work than those workers who do not.
Is it morally acceptable to tell any human, no matter what class, what they can do with their time and body? We've fought hard for our bodily autonomy and rights, but we're still dishearteningly far from global decrim. Is it reductive to start class policing a whole industry that survives because of, partially, inclusivity and camaraderie? Unfortunately middle and upper class workers have been frustratingly silent on the hardships of our working class and marginalised workers, and on decrim as a whole. As with the fight against capitalism and racism, it always seems to be the most marginalised and vulnerable that lead the fight and are the backbone of the cause. It’s hard to shake the feeling that the more privileged workers seem to think, ‘I’m ok so why should I worry? Why rock the boat?’ This is a common sentiment in so many revolutionary struggles in privileged countries. Here in The Netherlands it is a pervasive social attitude, meaning things like social security and housing never get reformed, leaving so many to ‘fall through the gaps’. So many issues–especially financial struggles–are chalked up to a moral failing when they are actually structural issues.
Is it morally acceptable to tell any human, no matter what class, what they can do with their time and body?
We know we live in a society that values wealthy, white opinions above all else so I'd love to see people in positions of privilege using their voices too. I was very heartened to know privileged workers in London who did just this as they knew their words held clout, and it helped undeniably. Rather than falling into division, which capitalist power structures love, I hope our more privileged comrades know they’d be welcomed with open arms into the cause, we need their sway and social standing as much as we need knowledge of revolutionary theory and voices for the cause.
Despite it being a tired cliché, only time will tell. As fascism is rising across the US and EU and the working class are increasingly crushed by poor living standards and high living costs, we will begin to see who is and who isn't managing to survive. I hope this does not sew despair, jealousy or discontent, but instead fosters true camaraderie between the working and middle classes in an already marginalised, but highly political and revolutionary industry.
For now, if you are one of the workers lucky enough to be on solid ground during these challenging times, I urge you to think how you can help your working class/survival siblings stay afloat. And for my fellow working class and survival comrades, reach out for and accept any supports that are available to you, without shame. History has taught us that the only way through these times is by working together in mutual respect, care and solidarity.
Are you a sex worker with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you!
We started the tryst.link sex worker blog to help amplify those who aren't handed the mic and bring attention to the issues ya'll care about the most. Got a tale to tell? 👇☂️✨
