RR2 – Zelizer

Zelizer poses a question in the essay “Payments and Social Ties”; “What distinguishes different forms of sexual payments; how to dance tickets, for instance, differ from cash, or from a gift of jewelry?” I’d argue the distinguishing factors in these transactions is sexism. I personally am not sure on my opinion of sex work. I believe those involved, especially women, have the right to bodily autonomy and using the same bodies that society sexualizes to fund their lives is a form of empowerment like no other. However, I’m not sure the audience that it targets sees it the same way. The some, or most, who consume sex work may still view it as degrading.  The rampant sexism in our society demonizes those, especially women, who want to celebrate their bodies or want to use their bodies as they wish to support themselves. It may be bad to consume sex work, but it is so much worse to provide sex work. The “dirty money” the author describes makes it seem that the money is indeed tainted, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m sure there are many sex workers who are proud of their work and don’t feel that their hard-earned money is “dirty”. Furthermore, the article was written in 1996, when sex was selling in the media, but not quite to the level it is today. With the explosion of internet use, some can have legal sex work as their main source of income. And now, with feminist movements stronger than ever, sex workers can feel empowered and supported in their trade.