Title: Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society - Open Society Foundations
Headings: Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society
Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society
Who are sex workers?
Why use the term “sex worker” rather than “prostitute”?
Why do some people do sex work?
Why shouldn’t sex work be a crime?
What’s wrong with laws that target only the clients of sex workers?
What is decriminalization of sex work?
What is human trafficking, and how is sex work different?
Is sex work inherently harmful?
Subscribe to updates about Open Society’s work around the world

Content: Prostitution, on the other hand, has connotations of criminality and immorality. Many people who sell sexual services prefer the term “sex worker” and find “prostitute” demeaning and stigmatizing, which contributes to their exclusion from health, legal, and social services. Why do some people do sex work? Sex workers sell sexual services in order to earn a livelihood. The vast majority of sex workers choose to do sex work because it is the best option they have. Many sex workers struggle with poverty and destitution and have few other options for work. Others find that sex work offers better pay and more flexible working conditions than other jobs. And some pursue sex work to explore and express their sexuality. Why shouldn’t sex work be a crime? Criminalization of sex work compromises sex workers’ health and safety by driving sex work underground.