New study finds clients want real love from sex workers

The Intimacy prism: Emotion management among the clients of escorts

From Men and Masculinities 

While it is commonly believed that men who pay for sex are attempting to avoid emotional commitment, this study finds that men who become regular clients of sex workers often develop feelings of romance and love. “In recent years, we have come to see a gradual normalization of independent escort prostitution, where sexual encounters have come to resemble quasi-dating relationships,” stated the author. “Our study shows that regular clients of a particular sex provider often come to experience feelings of deep affection, which can progress into an authentic love story.”

This study analyzed 2,442 postings on an online discussion board from a sex provider review site where more than a million clients of sex workers read and post about their experiences. Approximately one-third included a discussion about emotional intimacy between sex workers and their clients, many of whom expressed a desire to grow their relationships beyond the physical level in the form of sharing private feelings and mutual love.

 

 

Abstract

A growing but still limited body of research has examined the views and experiences of clients of sex workers. The current study is based on a content analysis of 2,442 postings on a popular forum where clients review sex workers and discuss their interactions with them. The article explores the reported experiences of a sample of clients who become involved in extended relationships with escorts and the emotional aspects of these associations. Findings show that there is a spectrum of experiences, ranging from counterfeit intimacy to an authentic emotional bond between the two parties. Many clients struggle with the unanticipated demands of an evolving romantic relationship and experience ongoing tension between its instrumental and expressive dimensions.

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Article details
Christine Milrod1 and Ronald Weitzer2 (2012). The Intimacy Pris Emotion Management among the Clients of Escorts Men and Masculinities : 10.1177/1097184X12452148

Tags: emotional labor, prostitution, sex industry, sex work, sexuality