Platforms, sex work and their interconnectedness

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines the interconnectedness of sex work with the platform economy. It does this by mobilising two concepts from the platform economy literature: the platform stack (which captures the structure of platforms) and interpenetration (which describes the processes through which platforms intersect). Exploring the platforms stacks and interpenetration of platforms used by sex workers, the paper draws on a dataset of linked platforms used by 54 cam workers and documented observations of 55 different platforms. These platforms include those designed for sex workers as well as those with a more generalist function. In mapping this platform ecology, the paper highlights some of the opportunities, barriers and risks that platform interpenetration presents for sex workers.
Original languageEnglish
Article number277-297
Pages (from-to)1-21
Number of pages21
JournalSexualities
Volume26
Issue number3
Early online date28 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

© The Author(s) 2021

Keywords

  • sex industry
  • platform economy
  • platform stack
  • interpenetration

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