Podcast
Questions and Answers
Neoclassical economists view prostitution primarily as:
Neoclassical economists view prostitution primarily as:
- A deviation from traditional gift-giving practices.
- A social problem stemming from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
- An ethical dilemma requiring government intervention.
- A market transaction resulting from rational choices based on cost-benefit analyses. (correct)
Critics of the economistic view of prostitution argue that:
Critics of the economistic view of prostitution argue that:
- It adequately addresses the potential for exploitation within these transactions.
- It inappropriately extends market logic into areas that should be free from commodification. (correct)
- It accurately captures the complexities of human relationships.
- It provides a superior framework for regulating the sex industry.
What is a primary difference between the neoclassical economic perspective and dissenting viewpoints on prostitution?
What is a primary difference between the neoclassical economic perspective and dissenting viewpoints on prostitution?
- Neoclassical economists focus on the demand side, while dissenting viewpoints focus on the supply side.
- Neoclassical economists support regulation, while dissenting viewpoints advocate for complete deregulation.
- Neoclassical economists consider ethical implications, while dissenting viewpoints focus solely on economic efficiency.
- Neoclassical economists see it as a natural outcome of free-market mechanisms, while dissenting viewpoints critique its commodification. (correct)
How would a neoclassical economist likely defend the existence of prostitution in a free market?
How would a neoclassical economist likely defend the existence of prostitution in a free market?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'commodification' as it relates to the debate surrounding prostitution?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'commodification' as it relates to the debate surrounding prostitution?
How do economists like Posner view individual's choices regarding sexual activities such as prostitution?
How do economists like Posner view individual's choices regarding sexual activities such as prostitution?
What is the main focus of Reynolds' economic theory of prostitution?
What is the main focus of Reynolds' economic theory of prostitution?
What does Anderson suggest as a superior alternative to commodification in intimate realms?
What does Anderson suggest as a superior alternative to commodification in intimate realms?
According to Anderson, what fundamental element is destroyed when prostitution commodifies sexuality?
According to Anderson, what fundamental element is destroyed when prostitution commodifies sexuality?
What is a key critique offered by both Anderson and Radin regarding the commodification of aspects closely tied to 'personhood'?
What is a key critique offered by both Anderson and Radin regarding the commodification of aspects closely tied to 'personhood'?
Which theoretical tradition has most forcefully articulated the criticisms of markets and the role of commodification?
Which theoretical tradition has most forcefully articulated the criticisms of markets and the role of commodification?
How did Reich apply the theory of alienation, traditionally used to analyze economic processes, in his work?
How did Reich apply the theory of alienation, traditionally used to analyze economic processes, in his work?
According to Matthaei's Marxist-feminist analysis, what is a significant factor contributing to women's involvement in prostitution?
According to Matthaei's Marxist-feminist analysis, what is a significant factor contributing to women's involvement in prostitution?
What perspective do Bishop and Robinson offer in their Marxist-feminist analysis of prostitution in Thailand?
What perspective do Bishop and Robinson offer in their Marxist-feminist analysis of prostitution in Thailand?
What is Robinson's view on the selling of sexual services, within a Marxist framework?
What is Robinson's view on the selling of sexual services, within a Marxist framework?
What is a common thread among Marxists and Marxist-feminists regarding prostitution?
What is a common thread among Marxists and Marxist-feminists regarding prostitution?
During the last twenty years, debates about prostitution among feminists became particularly intense due to which of the following factors?
During the last twenty years, debates about prostitution among feminists became particularly intense due to which of the following factors?
What is a central point of contention in the feminist debate surrounding prostitution?
What is a central point of contention in the feminist debate surrounding prostitution?
What is the perspective of radical feminists regarding prostitution?
What is the perspective of radical feminists regarding prostitution?
According to some radical feminists, what makes the sexual use of a woman's body in prostitution particularly problematic?
According to some radical feminists, what makes the sexual use of a woman's body in prostitution particularly problematic?
According to Pateman, how does a prostitute attempt to protect her 'self' psychologically in the context of selling her sexuality?
According to Pateman, how does a prostitute attempt to protect her 'self' psychologically in the context of selling her sexuality?
What is the most accurate summarization of the Marxist perspective on commodification?
What is the most accurate summarization of the Marxist perspective on commodification?
What argument is the most likely to be made by a Marxist feminist?
What argument is the most likely to be made by a Marxist feminist?
Radical feminists view emotional distancing in prostitution as:
Radical feminists view emotional distancing in prostitution as:
According to radical feminist perspectives, how does prostitution affect the perception of women in society?
According to radical feminist perspectives, how does prostitution affect the perception of women in society?
Sex radicals and prostitution rights advocates differ from radical feminists by arguing that prostitution primarily involves:
Sex radicals and prostitution rights advocates differ from radical feminists by arguing that prostitution primarily involves:
Linda Singer argues that sex workers may have more control over their sexual encounters than some other women because:
Linda Singer argues that sex workers may have more control over their sexual encounters than some other women because:
How do prostitution rights advocates view emotional detachment in sex work?
How do prostitution rights advocates view emotional detachment in sex work?
Which factor primarily leads to negative effects on emotional laborers, according to the text?
Which factor primarily leads to negative effects on emotional laborers, according to the text?
An antiessentialist analysis of prostitution, drawing on the later Marx, would view the 'commodity' in prostitution as:
An antiessentialist analysis of prostitution, drawing on the later Marx, would view the 'commodity' in prostitution as:
What is the primary goal of applying an antiessentialist Marxian analysis to the debate surrounding prostitution?
What is the primary goal of applying an antiessentialist Marxian analysis to the debate surrounding prostitution?
How does Carole Pateman view the act of prostitution in the capitalist market?
How does Carole Pateman view the act of prostitution in the capitalist market?
According to Pateman, what is a limitation of the Marxist critique of prostitution?
According to Pateman, what is a limitation of the Marxist critique of prostitution?
What distinguishes the prostitution contract from the labor contract, as argued by Carole Pateman?
What distinguishes the prostitution contract from the labor contract, as argued by Carole Pateman?
Which concept from Marx's writings is key to understanding the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
Which concept from Marx's writings is key to understanding the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
How might a later Marxian perspective, using an antiessentialist framework, analyze the power dynamics in prostitution?
How might a later Marxian perspective, using an antiessentialist framework, analyze the power dynamics in prostitution?
What is the significance of recognizing diverse perspectives (radical feminist, sex radical, Marxist) on prostitution?
What is the significance of recognizing diverse perspectives (radical feminist, sex radical, Marxist) on prostitution?
How does the text suggest class influences the nature of the commodity in prostitution?
How does the text suggest class influences the nature of the commodity in prostitution?
Which of the following perspectives aligns with the argument that sexual pleasure can be more fulfilling within relationships characterized by reciprocity and mutual recognition?
Which of the following perspectives aligns with the argument that sexual pleasure can be more fulfilling within relationships characterized by reciprocity and mutual recognition?
What is the central point made regarding the potential for pleasure in sex work?
What is the central point made regarding the potential for pleasure in sex work?
How do sex radicals and prostitution rights advocates aim to change perceptions surrounding pleasure and desire?
How do sex radicals and prostitution rights advocates aim to change perceptions surrounding pleasure and desire?
What critical question arises when considering an exploited sex worker's potential to experience pleasure?
What critical question arises when considering an exploited sex worker's potential to experience pleasure?
Why might the eradication of exploitation be viewed with apprehension, according to the text?
Why might the eradication of exploitation be viewed with apprehension, according to the text?
What does a Marxist perspective suggest about the relationship between pleasure and exploitation?
What does a Marxist perspective suggest about the relationship between pleasure and exploitation?
What is the significance of delinking pain and exploitation, as well as pleasure and non-exploitation?
What is the significance of delinking pain and exploitation, as well as pleasure and non-exploitation?
What might influence a Marxist theorist's stance on prostitution?
What might influence a Marxist theorist's stance on prostitution?
Which of the following best describes the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
Which of the following best describes the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
How might a Marxist reading only Marx's early writings view prostitution?
How might a Marxist reading only Marx's early writings view prostitution?
What shift in focus occurred between Marx's early and later writings regarding his criticism?
What shift in focus occurred between Marx's early and later writings regarding his criticism?
How do radical feminists typically view the concept of 'self' in the context of prostitution?
How do radical feminists typically view the concept of 'self' in the context of prostitution?
What is a primary critique of the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
What is a primary critique of the radical feminist perspective on prostitution?
What primary process was not yet fully theorized in Marx's early writings when he used prostitution as a metaphor?
What primary process was not yet fully theorized in Marx's early writings when he used prostitution as a metaphor?
What does deconstructing Marx's use of prostitution as a metaphor reveal?
What does deconstructing Marx's use of prostitution as a metaphor reveal?
In what way do sex radical perspectives diverge from radical feminist views on prostitution?
In what way do sex radical perspectives diverge from radical feminist views on prostitution?
How do radical feminists view the distribution of pleasure in the context of prostitution?
How do radical feminists view the distribution of pleasure in the context of prostitution?
What potential benefit does prostitution offer to clients, according to sex radicals?
What potential benefit does prostitution offer to clients, according to sex radicals?
Which concept from Marxist theory is notably absent in radical feminist analyses of prostitution?
Which concept from Marxist theory is notably absent in radical feminist analyses of prostitution?
Which perspective views the pleasure derived by a client in prostitution as potentially problematic?
Which perspective views the pleasure derived by a client in prostitution as potentially problematic?
What is the central conflict identified in the text regarding views on prostitution?
What is the central conflict identified in the text regarding views on prostitution?
What underlying assumption about sexuality is present in radical feminist arguments against prostitution?
What underlying assumption about sexuality is present in radical feminist arguments against prostitution?
Which of the following is a common thread between radical feminist and sex radical perspectives, despite their differences?
Which of the following is a common thread between radical feminist and sex radical perspectives, despite their differences?
What is the central interest of the client in prostitution, which distinguishes it from an employer-employee relationship?
What is the central interest of the client in prostitution, which distinguishes it from an employer-employee relationship?
How does Pateman view the role of the sex industry within a capitalist framework?
How does Pateman view the role of the sex industry within a capitalist framework?
What does the text suggest about the sex radical perspective's vulnerability to essentialism?
What does the text suggest about the sex radical perspective's vulnerability to essentialism?
What is often missing from the radical feminist economic analysis of prostitution?
What is often missing from the radical feminist economic analysis of prostitution?
How do sex radicals challenge traditional views of prostitution?
How do sex radicals challenge traditional views of prostitution?
What is the implication of defining a sex worker primarily by their profession, according to the text?
What is the implication of defining a sex worker primarily by their profession, according to the text?
What is the significance of the question, 'How is pleasure distributed?' in the context of the prostitution debate?
What is the significance of the question, 'How is pleasure distributed?' in the context of the prostitution debate?
What is a key characteristic of the relationship between the consumer and the commodity?
What is a key characteristic of the relationship between the consumer and the commodity?
How might feminists apply the strategy of flipping the binary to Marx's early work, according to the text?
How might feminists apply the strategy of flipping the binary to Marx's early work, according to the text?
What strategy does the author suggest as a preferable alternative to simply flipping the terms of the subject/object binary?
What strategy does the author suggest as a preferable alternative to simply flipping the terms of the subject/object binary?
How does the 'overdetermination of class' influence commodities?
How does the 'overdetermination of class' influence commodities?
In Marx's later writings, how does he conceptualize prostitution differently compared to his earlier works?
In Marx's later writings, how does he conceptualize prostitution differently compared to his earlier works?
What key concepts did Marx develop in his later works, which moved away from the humanistic focus of his earlier writings?
What key concepts did Marx develop in his later works, which moved away from the humanistic focus of his earlier writings?
What is the role of 'surplus labor' in an exploitative class structure?
What is the role of 'surplus labor' in an exploitative class structure?
What does it mean to view capitalism as a 'process without a Subject,' according to Althusser as referenced in the text?
What does it mean to view capitalism as a 'process without a Subject,' according to Althusser as referenced in the text?
According to Marx, what distinguishes productive labor from unproductive labor when a capitalist buys it?
According to Marx, what distinguishes productive labor from unproductive labor when a capitalist buys it?
What is overdetermined by a host of different processes and constantly changing?
What is overdetermined by a host of different processes and constantly changing?
What do the needs and desires of the consumer render him vulnerable to?
What do the needs and desires of the consumer render him vulnerable to?
The text mentions a strategy implemented by some feminists concerning binaries. What is that strategy?
The text mentions a strategy implemented by some feminists concerning binaries. What is that strategy?
In Marx's later works, what concept does he break away from theorizing?
In Marx's later works, what concept does he break away from theorizing?
In the exploitative class structure, surplus labor is appropriated by whom?
In the exploitative class structure, surplus labor is appropriated by whom?
What scenarios does Marx distinguish between in Theories of Surplus-Value with respect to prostitution?
What scenarios does Marx distinguish between in Theories of Surplus-Value with respect to prostitution?
What fundamental characteristic of capitalism does Marx highlight through the prostitution metaphor?
What fundamental characteristic of capitalism does Marx highlight through the prostitution metaphor?
In Marx's analysis, how does the commodification of labor affect the laborer?
In Marx's analysis, how does the commodification of labor affect the laborer?
What role does the 'pimp' play in Marx's metaphor of the desiring body within a capitalist framework?
What role does the 'pimp' play in Marx's metaphor of the desiring body within a capitalist framework?
How does the text suggest Marx's use of the prostitution metaphor influences the representation of the consumer?
How does the text suggest Marx's use of the prostitution metaphor influences the representation of the consumer?
What is identified in the text as one limitation of Marx's prostitution metaphor?
What is identified in the text as one limitation of Marx's prostitution metaphor?
How does the text describe the effect of the 'humanist discourse' produced by Marx's metaphor?
How does the text describe the effect of the 'humanist discourse' produced by Marx's metaphor?
In the context of Marx's metaphor, what is a consequence of framing the economy within a subject/object binary?
In the context of Marx's metaphor, what is a consequence of framing the economy within a subject/object binary?
What concept do radical feminists share with Marx regarding prostitution?
What concept do radical feminists share with Marx regarding prostitution?
In Marx's view, implied by the prostitution metaphor, what happens when laborers invest their essence into the commodities they produce?
In Marx's view, implied by the prostitution metaphor, what happens when laborers invest their essence into the commodities they produce?
How might a critic argue that Marx's prostitution metaphor oversimplifies the role of the capitalist?
How might a critic argue that Marx's prostitution metaphor oversimplifies the role of the capitalist?
What does the text imply about Marx's perspective on the nature of human beings, based on his use of humanist discourse?
What does the text imply about Marx's perspective on the nature of human beings, based on his use of humanist discourse?
What does the text suggest about Marx's view of capitalist commodity production beyond fulfilling basic needs?
What does the text suggest about Marx's view of capitalist commodity production beyond fulfilling basic needs?
What does the representation of the capitalist as a 'pimp' in Marx's metaphor primarily convey?
What does the representation of the capitalist as a 'pimp' in Marx's metaphor primarily convey?
What is Marx's central point when he states that the capitalist's 'abomination is still greater' in the context of prostitution?
What is Marx's central point when he states that the capitalist's 'abomination is still greater' in the context of prostitution?
How does Marx connect the act of offering one's body for sale to economic laws and the principles of capitalism?
How does Marx connect the act of offering one's body for sale to economic laws and the principles of capitalism?
In Marx's later work, what is the primary shift in understanding prostitution compared to his earlier perspectives?
In Marx's later work, what is the primary shift in understanding prostitution compared to his earlier perspectives?
What critical element is often missing in the debate between radical feminists and sex-positive advocates regarding prostitution?
What critical element is often missing in the debate between radical feminists and sex-positive advocates regarding prostitution?
How does the concept of 'overdetermination' apply to understanding the commodity in prostitution?
How does the concept of 'overdetermination' apply to understanding the commodity in prostitution?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the 'slave class process' in the context of prostitution?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the 'slave class process' in the context of prostitution?
Within a slave class process, what is a likely condition of existence regarding a prostitute's body?
Within a slave class process, what is a likely condition of existence regarding a prostitute's body?
Why might a slave class appropriator use violence against a prostitute working under their control?
Why might a slave class appropriator use violence against a prostitute working under their control?
How does focusing on 'class' enrich the understanding of commodification in the sex industry?
How does focusing on 'class' enrich the understanding of commodification in the sex industry?
What is the significance of sex workers being able to delineate the service they provide, such as whether a condom is used?
What is the significance of sex workers being able to delineate the service they provide, such as whether a condom is used?
In the context of the slave class process, how might the surplus labor of a prostitute be distributed?
In the context of the slave class process, how might the surplus labor of a prostitute be distributed?
How does viewing the commodity in prostitution as contingent challenge traditional perspectives?
How does viewing the commodity in prostitution as contingent challenge traditional perspectives?
According to the content, what is a key difference between the early and later Marx's views on prostitution?
According to the content, what is a key difference between the early and later Marx's views on prostitution?
If a radical-feminist views prostitution as selling a 'body', what class process would most closely align with that understanding?
If a radical-feminist views prostitution as selling a 'body', what class process would most closely align with that understanding?
What are the conditions of existence of a slave class process?
What are the conditions of existence of a slave class process?
In order to increase the surplus in the slave class process, what might the slave class appropriator compel the worker to do?
In order to increase the surplus in the slave class process, what might the slave class appropriator compel the worker to do?
Why is the focus on class important regarding commodification?
Why is the focus on class important regarding commodification?
In the context of prostitution, what distinguishes a 'slave class process' from other forms of exploitation?
In the context of prostitution, what distinguishes a 'slave class process' from other forms of exploitation?
How does a 'capitalist class process' in prostitution differ from a 'slave class process'?
How does a 'capitalist class process' in prostitution differ from a 'slave class process'?
What is a key feature of 'independent commodity production,' or self-employment, in the context of prostitution?
What is a key feature of 'independent commodity production,' or self-employment, in the context of prostitution?
Within a capitalist framework of prostitution, how might an employer seek to increase the 'absolute rate of surplus-value'?
Within a capitalist framework of prostitution, how might an employer seek to increase the 'absolute rate of surplus-value'?
How does the potential for a sex worker to receive tips from clients complicate the employer-employee dynamic in a capitalist prostitution enterprise?
How does the potential for a sex worker to receive tips from clients complicate the employer-employee dynamic in a capitalist prostitution enterprise?
What does it mean for a capitalist employer to increase the 'relative surplus-value' in the context of prostitution?
What does it mean for a capitalist employer to increase the 'relative surplus-value' in the context of prostitution?
Why might a sex worker remain in an exploitative capitalist enterprise despite its negative aspects?
Why might a sex worker remain in an exploitative capitalist enterprise despite its negative aspects?
What is the distinguishing characteristic of a 'self-exploitative' class process in prostitution?
What is the distinguishing characteristic of a 'self-exploitative' class process in prostitution?
How might economic self-determination, or independence, affect a sex worker's experience of their work?
How might economic self-determination, or independence, affect a sex worker's experience of their work?
In a capitalist class process within prostitution, who typically benefits from the surplus value generated by the sex worker's labor?
In a capitalist class process within prostitution, who typically benefits from the surplus value generated by the sex worker's labor?
What is a primary difference between 'independent commodity production' and a 'capitalist class process' regarding control over the services provided in prostitution?
What is a primary difference between 'independent commodity production' and a 'capitalist class process' regarding control over the services provided in prostitution?
How might the nature of the 'commodity' sold in prostitution change under highly exploitative conditions in a capitalist enterprise?
How might the nature of the 'commodity' sold in prostitution change under highly exploitative conditions in a capitalist enterprise?
What factor primarily determines a sex worker's ability to 'quit' or 'threaten to quit' in an exploitative capitalist enterprise?
What factor primarily determines a sex worker's ability to 'quit' or 'threaten to quit' in an exploitative capitalist enterprise?
What is the potential outcome when an independent sex worker controls the terms of the services they provide?
What is the potential outcome when an independent sex worker controls the terms of the services they provide?
In the context of capitalist class relations in prostitution, what does 'free' mean regarding a sex worker's labor?
In the context of capitalist class relations in prostitution, what does 'free' mean regarding a sex worker's labor?
Which factor, besides class, most significantly influences the nature of the 'prostitution commodity'?
Which factor, besides class, most significantly influences the nature of the 'prostitution commodity'?
How might cultural stigmas surrounding sex work affect the 'prostitution commodity'?
How might cultural stigmas surrounding sex work affect the 'prostitution commodity'?
How do laws criminalizing prostitution potentially affect the safety and working conditions of sex workers?
How do laws criminalizing prostitution potentially affect the safety and working conditions of sex workers?
What is the role of 'class process' in determining a sex worker's experience, according to the text?
What is the role of 'class process' in determining a sex worker's experience, according to the text?
What is the primary distinction between Marx's early and later writings regarding prostitution?
What is the primary distinction between Marx's early and later writings regarding prostitution?
Why does the author advocate for an 'antiessentialist class discourse' when examining sex industries?
Why does the author advocate for an 'antiessentialist class discourse' when examining sex industries?
What is the result of understanding the 'prostitution commodity' as context-dependent?
What is the result of understanding the 'prostitution commodity' as context-dependent?
What is the implication of the pervasiveness of market transactions for individual subjectivity and sexuality?
What is the implication of the pervasiveness of market transactions for individual subjectivity and sexuality?
What is the author's critique of the 'theory of the individual as a rational, utility-maximizing agent'?
What is the author's critique of the 'theory of the individual as a rational, utility-maximizing agent'?
Which of the following best describes the author's overall goal in analyzing class and nonclass processes in the context of prostitution?
Which of the following best describes the author's overall goal in analyzing class and nonclass processes in the context of prostitution?
How would a self-employed sex worker's vulnerability to disease and death relate to economic pressures?
How would a self-employed sex worker's vulnerability to disease and death relate to economic pressures?
In what way might criminalization of prostitution affect the ability of sex workers to negotiate safe working conditions?
In what way might criminalization of prostitution affect the ability of sex workers to negotiate safe working conditions?
How do cultural representations of sex workers, whether positive or negative, influence the nature of the prostitution commodity?
How do cultural representations of sex workers, whether positive or negative, influence the nature of the prostitution commodity?
In the context of sex work, what implications arise from the lack of alternative job opportunities or unequal income levels?
In the context of sex work, what implications arise from the lack of alternative job opportunities or unequal income levels?
How does the text suggest rethinking the commodification process in the context of prostitution?
How does the text suggest rethinking the commodification process in the context of prostitution?
Flashcards
Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism
An economic philosophy emphasizing free markets and minimal government intervention.
Commodification
Commodification
The process of turning goods, services, or activities into commodities for sale.
Neoclassical economists
Neoclassical economists
Economists who analyze market behaviors based on rational choice and utility maximization.
Cost-benefit analysis
Cost-benefit analysis
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Utility-maximizing individuals
Utility-maximizing individuals
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Prostitution as a market
Prostitution as a market
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Anderson's criticism
Anderson's criticism
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Sex and Reason
Sex and Reason
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Gift value
Gift value
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Reciprocity
Reciprocity
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Alienation
Alienation
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Sexual division of labor
Sexual division of labor
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Marxist criticism of commodification
Marxist criticism of commodification
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Prostitution as commodification
Prostitution as commodification
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Feminist critique of prostitution
Feminist critique of prostitution
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Radical feminism
Radical feminism
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Sexual repression
Sexual repression
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Prostitute's alienation
Prostitute's alienation
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Sex industry globalization
Sex industry globalization
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Neoliberal structural-adjustment
Neoliberal structural-adjustment
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Racial and gendered dynamics in sex work
Racial and gendered dynamics in sex work
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Sexual service vs. body
Sexual service vs. body
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Emotional Distancing
Emotional Distancing
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Objectification
Objectification
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Sexual Slavery
Sexual Slavery
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Noncommodified Exchange
Noncommodified Exchange
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Negotiated Services
Negotiated Services
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Emotional Labor
Emotional Labor
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Marxian Analysis
Marxian Analysis
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Antiessentialist View
Antiessentialist View
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Pateman's Critique
Pateman's Critique
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Prostitution as a Commodity
Prostitution as a Commodity
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Class Structure Influence
Class Structure Influence
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Boundary Maintenance
Boundary Maintenance
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Economic Space of Sex Industries
Economic Space of Sex Industries
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Bargaining Power
Bargaining Power
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Prostitution Contract
Prostitution Contract
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Sexual Use vs. Profit
Sexual Use vs. Profit
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Selling the Self
Selling the Self
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Radical Feminist View
Radical Feminist View
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Essentializing Power
Essentializing Power
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Embodied Self
Embodied Self
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Degradation in Sex Work
Degradation in Sex Work
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Sex Radicals
Sex Radicals
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Pleasure in Transaction
Pleasure in Transaction
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Consumer Sovereignty
Consumer Sovereignty
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Patriarchal Dynamics
Patriarchal Dynamics
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Capitalist Market
Capitalist Market
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Self-Employment in Sex Work
Self-Employment in Sex Work
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Class Discourse
Class Discourse
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Laboring Body
Laboring Body
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Desiring Body
Desiring Body
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Prostitute/Client Relationship
Prostitute/Client Relationship
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Capitalist as Pimp
Capitalist as Pimp
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Commodity Production
Commodity Production
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The Metaphor of Prostitution
The Metaphor of Prostitution
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Humanist Discourse
Humanist Discourse
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Subject/Object Binary
Subject/Object Binary
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Economic Laws
Economic Laws
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Exploitation
Exploitation
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Market Metonym
Market Metonym
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Sensuous Human Being
Sensuous Human Being
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Labor-power as a commodity
Labor-power as a commodity
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Surplus-value
Surplus-value
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Class processes
Class processes
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Prostitution debates
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Overdetermined commodity
Overdetermined commodity
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Capitalist exploitation
Capitalist exploitation
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Slave class process
Slave class process
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Dehumanization in sex work
Dehumanization in sex work
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Power relations in prostitution
Power relations in prostitution
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Sex commodification
Sex commodification
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Prostitute's lack of agency
Prostitute's lack of agency
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Commodification process
Commodification process
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Sex industry profits
Sex industry profits
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Empowerment vs. exploitation
Empowerment vs. exploitation
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Revaluing the Binary
Revaluing the Binary
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Class Structure
Class Structure
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Labor-Power
Labor-Power
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Surplus Labor
Surplus Labor
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Capital as Process
Capital as Process
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Service Commodities
Service Commodities
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Marx's Humanism Break
Marx's Humanism Break
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Use-Value vs. Exchange-Value
Use-Value vs. Exchange-Value
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Prostitution as Labor-Power
Prostitution as Labor-Power
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Dependency in Capitalism
Dependency in Capitalism
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Rethinking Commodification
Rethinking Commodification
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Fragmentation of Prostitution
Fragmentation of Prostitution
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Comfort Stations
Comfort Stations
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Comfort Women
Comfort Women
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Capitalist Class Process
Capitalist Class Process
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Self-Employment
Self-Employment
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Independent Commodity Production
Independent Commodity Production
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Sex Worker Autonomy
Sex Worker Autonomy
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Managerial Control
Managerial Control
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Economic Self-Determination
Economic Self-Determination
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Workplace Rights
Workplace Rights
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Sex Worker Survival
Sex Worker Survival
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Higher Wages in Sex Work
Higher Wages in Sex Work
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Self-employed sex workers
Self-employed sex workers
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Vulnerable position
Vulnerable position
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Cultural stigmas
Cultural stigmas
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Legal codes
Legal codes
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Negotiation under pressure
Negotiation under pressure
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Underground exchange
Underground exchange
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Context-dependent commodity
Context-dependent commodity
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Marx's view of prostitution
Marx's view of prostitution
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Prostitution rights advocacy
Prostitution rights advocacy
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Constructed subjectivity
Constructed subjectivity
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Market transactions
Market transactions
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Ecologically sustainable alternatives
Ecologically sustainable alternatives
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Pleasure in Prostitution
Pleasure in Prostitution
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Pathological Pleasure
Pathological Pleasure
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Sexual Reciprocity
Sexual Reciprocity
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Sex Worker Satisfaction
Sex Worker Satisfaction
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Sex Radicals' Advocacy
Sex Radicals' Advocacy
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Pleasure vs. Exploitation
Pleasure vs. Exploitation
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Marxist Intervention
Marxist Intervention
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Commodification in Prostitution
Commodification in Prostitution
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Early vs. Later Marx
Early vs. Later Marx
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Exploitation Dynamics
Exploitation Dynamics
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Sexual Norms
Sexual Norms
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Alienation in Labor
Alienation in Labor
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Pleasure and Power
Pleasure and Power
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Depathologizing Desire
Depathologizing Desire
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Study Notes
Neoliberalism and the Commodification of Prostitution
- Neoliberal emphasis on markets sparks scrutiny of commodification's spread, particularly into intimate realms like sexuality.
- Neoclassical economists often defend market exchange, while critics highlight its detrimental effects on intimate life.
- Economists like Becker and Posner justify prostitution as rational economic choice through cost-benefit analysis.
Economic Analyses of Prostitution
- Neoclassical economists see prostitution as a natural outcome of supply and demand for sex, devoid of moral implications.
- Reynolds's and Posner's work promotes prostitution as a purely economic activity.
- Critiques arise from dissenting economists, who argue markets should not commodify certain aspects of life.
Challenges to Economic Perspectives
- Anderson criticizes neoclassical accounts of prostitution, advocating for gift-giving as a superior alternative to commodification, arguing it preserves reciprocity and mutual understanding within relationships.
- Radin similarly criticizes the commodification of items related to personhood, such as sex in prostitution.
- Both advocate that certain realms tied to personhood should not be subject to market principles.
Marxist and Feminist Critiques
- Marxism criticizes widespread commodification and the detrimental effects of capitalism.
- Prostitution becomes a prime example of market encroachment into personal life, resulting in alienation and objectification.
- Marxist-feminists explore the sexual division of labor and racial hierarchies influencing prostitution.
- Matthaei (1995), Amott and Matthaei (1996), and Bishop and Robinson (1998) provide historical and international analyses of the social structures driving prostitution.
Feminists and the Debate on Prostitution
- Feminist debates arise around the concept of commodification within prostitution.
- Radical feminists see prostitution as the selling of the body and self (inherently exploitative and objectifying).
- Sex radicals and prostitution rights advocates contest this, viewing prostitution as the exchange of a service.
Radical Feminist Perspective
- Radical feminists view prostitution as a form of sexual slavery, damaging to the prostitute's well-being.
- This perspective highlights the exploitation of the sex worker by the customer.
Sex Radicals' Response
- Sex radicals and rights advocates view prostitution as offering a service, and advocate for sex workers' control over their work.
- This perspective emphasizes factors like self-employment, expertise, and negotiation.
- Singer highlights sex workers' agency and control over specific circumstances of encounters, contrasted with limited agency of wives.
Marxian Perspectives
- Marx's early works use prostitution as a metaphor for commodification and alienation under capitalism linking labor and prostitution.
- Later Marx criticizes capitalism centered on the class process of the production, appropriation, and distribution of surplus value, arguing that prostitution could arise in various class structures, not just capitalism.
- Anti-essentialist Marxists argue that class processes, such as slavery or feudalism, shape the commodity's context and meaning, contrasting with earlier theoretical viewpoints that centered solely on the individual
Diverse Class Processes
- Prostitution may be significantly different depending on which class processes structure the exchanges.
- Slave class: Prostitution becomes commodified exploitation, and lacking agency for the sex worker.
- Capitalist class: Sex work involves labor-power, but exploitation with potential for surplus extraction may lead to limitations on worker control.
- Self-employment/independent commodity production: Sex work can be an empowering act of self-determination.
Conclusion
- Viewing prostitution through diverse class structures renders the commodity context-dependent (not inherent).
- Marx's later works offer a framework for understanding the potential for exploitation or empowerment in different class processes.
- The study notes focus on exploring the diverse class structures, rather than focusing on commodification.
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Description
Explore economic perspectives on prostitution, contrasting neoclassical views with dissenting arguments. Understand commodification, free market defenses, and Reynolds' economic theory. Examine Anderson's critique of commodification in intimate realms.
