Selling Sex in the 21st Century

Forget what you think you know about sex workers and explore in-depth interviews with "providers." Author James Tugend teams up with a practicing psychologist to take a hard look at the sex trade, dispel myths, reduce prejudice, and explore modern reality.

Many escorts are articulate, resilient, and highly educated. They are entrepreneurial and enjoy their work, only seeing men they like and earning a lot of money, but they warn that prostitution harms other women, especially if they work for madams or pimps. A few overcome early traumas. Becoming independent escorts does wonders for their self-esteem and makes clients treat them with respect.

Common theories on prostitution and feminism are diametrically opposed. Is it a means of self-determination, feminine strength attuned to modern sexual mores, or dominant males engaging in sexual violence and control of women? Both sides are sometimes valid. Clients can be at the mercy of providers.

Tugend dares to offer honest accounts from both sides, revealing a fascinating m lange of need, longing, and sometimes female empowerment in the provider-client relationship dynamic.