Abstract
This article examines the interconnectedness of sex work with the platform economy. It does this by mobilizing 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 these concepts, the article 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 article highlights some of the opportunities, barriers and risks that platform interpenetration presents for sex workers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 277-297 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | Sexualities |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 28 Sept 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2023 |
Keywords
- interpenetration
- platform economy
- platform stack
- sex industry