Adult Films, Escorting, and the Complementary Nature of Sex Work

• In Event: 343 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Paper Session. Sexual Commerce and Intimate Markets (co-sponsored with Section on Sex and Gender)

Abstract

Since 2007, the United States adult film industry has experienced a sharp decline in production due to the proliferation of free online pornography. In this paper, I focus on two types of sex workers—adult film performers and escorts—and how these economic and technological shocks shifted the relationship between these two types of sex work. By comparing the impact of free online pornography on the adult film industry to research on the impact of free online music on the music industry, I find that sex workers increasingly rely on live performances (escorting) as their main source of income, while using digital media (adult films) as a loss leader to advertise their live performances. Broadly speaking, sex workers are an example of independent contractors, and this paper builds on research demonstrating the creative methods independent contractors use to promote their work in changing economic conditions.

Author

• David Schieber, UCLA