Pimps’ Perspectives on Good and Bad Sex Workers

• In Event: Revisiting Deviance: Perspectives From Pimps, Cockfighters and Bikers

Abstract

Judgments of who is deviant in the criminological literature are often are drawn from the perspective of those in more powerful positions. Statutes and legal authorities, for example, confirm the label of ‘deviant’ behavior on prostitution. However, there is much controversy surrounding the immorality of prostitution, as evident by the legalization and regulation of prostitution in several countries (see Weitzer, 2012). Moreover, the opposition to prostitution may emanate from pragmatic concerns about its social and health risks rather than its threat to moral values or that it violates the law. Thus, what is defined as deviant in one’s sexual behavior depends upon the social location of the person. Rarely, have participants in the illicit sex trade, been asked to consider what they would define as a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ sex worker. Pimps in Chicago and Atlanta were asked what makes a good sex worker and what makes a bad sex worker, as well as questions on what types of sex acts were generally permitted or not permitted by sex workers. Using Goffman’s perspective that everyone plays both deviant and non-deviant roles, we examine the criteria that differentiate good and bad sex workers. The analysis provides a perspective of how subcultural members of the illicit sex trade apply the label of deviant to sex workers and to sexual acts, and the social, health, legal, and moral criteria that underlie deviant and non-deviant classifications.

Authors

• Loretta J. Stalans, Loyola University Chicago

• Mary A. Finn, Michigan State University