A common anti-sexwork talking point, is that sex workers contribute to the objectification of women. It is often suggested, by certain groups of radical feminists, that we objectify ourselves and present ourselves as a commodity, in a way which harms women’s liberation as a whole.
To combat this, some sex workers will respond that they are empowered by their work, and use pornography or selling sex as a way to express their sexuality. This argument suggests that empowerment is in contrast to objectification, and that one can be countered with the other.
However, both things can exist at the same time. Many clients (a majority, in my experience) will objectify sex workers and see us merely as masturbatory aids. In this case, they are objectifying us. At the same time, we are able to earn money, and that money empowers us. I may feel pleased that I am presenting myself as a desirable and sexually attractive person, whilst being viewed by others as a sex object. It’s uncomfortable to admit for some people, but these states co-exist.
When someone is sexualized without their consent, or a figure is sexualized in place of a real person, these are situations where a person/character is being sexually objectified. With real people, they may reclaim this way they are viewed unashamedly, or may be hurt by it, but regardless of their response the act is objectifying. This is because there is no consent.
When someone intentionally presents themselves in a sexual manner, it is possible they will be neither empowered nor objectified by it. They may enjoy themselves and feel no benefit beyond that. Others may treat them in a negative way and see them as lesser, especially in the case of people perceived as women, and therefore stop viewing them as a full person. Objectification is something that other people do to someone, rather than something being “objectifying” in its own right.
Wearing a low cut shirt and short skirt is not inherently objectifying. Someone may even feel empowered by it, as though they have claimed something they like and can use their sexuality to their advantage. If someone sees that person as lesser because of their way of dressing, that person is objectifying them.
To limit people, by suggesting that they should make choices based on what others will think of them, is disrespecting their autonomy. Therefore, people arguing that sex workers are objectifying ourselves or are encouraging objectification are actually treating us as though we aren’t people who deserve full autonomy.
Selling sex doesn’t empower me. Money empowers me. Behaving in a sexual manner can get me access to money and resources, and those things absolutely do give me material power. I’m not ashamed about expressing myself in a way which improves my circumstances, whether that’s making myself more sexually appealing or making myself look more professional for an office work environment.
The concept of self-objectification doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Objectification is something that a person does to someone else, not something we can do to ourselves. One could argue it’s possible for someone to encourage others to objectify them, but that sounds a lot like classic victim-blaming arguments. Most choices we make are not expected to make us feel amazing and strong and give us power, but when it comes to sexual expression suddenly all choices are supposed to be made for personal empowerment or they must be bad. No. Just like anything else, the type of sexual expression someone chooses can be decided for any reason, and should not be held to higher expectations than anything other fashion or behavioural choice.
Jack Talks About Sex Work 