Escort Clients' Sexual Scripts and Constructions of Intimacy in Commodified Sexual Relationships. Issue 4 (5th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Zoey; Hannem, Stacey
• Is Part Of: Symbolic interaction. Volume 41:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 488
• Page End: 512
• Publication Date: 2018-07-05
• Subjects: intimacy -- sexual scripts -- social scripting -- sex work -- clients -- sexuality -- prostitution; Symbolic interactionism -- Periodicals; Interactionnisme symbolique -- Périodiques; 302
• DOI: 10.1002/symb.379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6086

Abstract

Abstract : This article draws on fourteen in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with men who hire female escorts to examine the role of intimacy in their interactions with sex workers. Using the concept of social scripting, we examine the cultural, interpersonal, and intrapsychic meanings that shape the commodified sexual interaction. Focusing on the clients' intrapsychic scripts, we argue that previous typologies of client behavior ignore the role of intimacy and the meaning that individuals ascribe to their own experiences and actions. We suggest a typology of clients that goes beyond previous classifications of "regular" and "non‐regular"—the latter referred to as a "hummingbird" client from the perspective of one sex worker. Our four‐part typology of committed regulars, hybrids, searchers, and industry insiders takes into account the role of intimacy along with the client's perception of frequency and motive, even in seemingly casual sexual encounters. A video abstract is available athttps://youtu.be/IK_UiGzWT_E . Abstract : A video abstract is available athttps://youtu.be/IK_UiGzWT_E