Assessment of radical, liberal and contractarian views on sex work

Abstract

The theoretical framework of the philosophical study of sex work is an extensively debated area of research among academic scholars.Two main standpoints emerge from this debate -- (a) sex work is a form of exploitation, and (b) sex work is a form of work. The first standpoint condemns sex work because it involves the sale of sex that is deeply emotional and personal. The second group tries to counter the above allegations and establish sex work as legitimate work.This article provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical perspectivesof radical, liberal, and contractarian views that try to address the phenomenon of sex workfrom a theoretical and context-sensitive approach.Here, I demonstrate through discussion of these perspectives how sex workers are qualified as real workers and show that they also have control over their working life and, most importantly, are not always passive victims of patriarchy without voices.