Drifters, Party Boys and Incumbents: The Life Patterns of Male Street-based Sex Workers. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellison, Graham
• Is Part Of: Sociology. Volume 52:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 367
• Page End: 383
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: environment -- male sex work -- prostitution -- rational decision-making -- urban studies; Sociology -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Periodicals; Sociologie -- Périodiques; Sociologie; Electronic journals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0038038516676768
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0385

Abstract

This article is based on a qualitative study of male street-based prostitution. It suggests that the street-based sector is more varied, with sellers adopting a wider range of working practices, than is commonly acknowledged in the literature on male prostitution. Drawing on data from Manchester, England, I identify a number of 'life patterns' among male street sellers that reflect varied working practices based on issues around rational decision-making and the sex worker's relationship to place and environment. The discussion has implications for urban policies around street-based sex work but also for a more general understanding of male sex work in an international and comparative perspective.