Characteristics and Working Practices of Online Sex Workers

Abstract

This chapter reviews some of the core findings from the Beyond the Gaze dataset to consider the characteristics and working patterns of sex workers who market or provide services via the Internet. Specifically, this project has included sex workers of all genders, highlighting diverse practices and experiences when compared with the existing literature related to female sex workers. We examine the working practices (such as hours, pay, services and employment profiles) and broader socio-demographics of the sex work community, commenting on issues such as migrant sex workers’ experiences and age differences. We also consider how the Internet has changed working practices in different sectors.