Sex work is the exchange of sexual services, performances, or sexually explicit products for money or other material compensation, between consenting adults.[1][5]

Core definition and scope

• Many public health and human rights organizations define sex work as the use of sexual activity for income or other items of value (money, food, shelter, etc.).[3][5]
• It is an umbrella term that can include in-person sexual services, erotic performances, and virtual or media-based sexual content.[4][6][1]

Examples of sex work

Common forms often listed in the literature include:

• Prostitution/escort services (street-based, brothel, massage parlors, indoor “escort” work).[6][1][4]
• Pornographic acting or modeling, including film, video, and magazine work.[5][1][4]
• Stripping, erotic or pole dancing, lap dancing.[1][4][6]
• Phone sex, webcam and online “camming,” other internet-based erotic services.[5][6][1]
• BDSM and dominatrix work, erotic massage, and related specialized services.[1][5]

Consent and distinction from trafficking

• Sex work, as the term is used in policy and advocacy, refers to consensual transactions among adults with the legal and mental capacity to consent.[2][1]
• Human trafficking involves force, coercion, deception, or abuse of power for exploitation, and is considered a human rights violation distinct from consensual sex work, even when the exploitation is sexual.[2]

Why the term “sex work” is used

• The term “sex worker” emphasizes that this is a form of labor and focuses on working conditions, rights, and safety, rather than moral judgment.[6][2][1]
• Many organizations and advocates prefer “sex work” over “prostitution” because the latter is widely seen as stigmatizing and tied to criminality and immorality.[7][2][6]

If you want, I can also outline main legal models (criminalization, decriminalization, Nordic model) and their implications for sex workers’ safety and rights.

Sources [1] Sex work - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_work [2] Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/understanding-sex-work-open-society [3] [PDF] Sex Workers https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/1-28-16-ohp-hiv-factsheet-sex-workers.pdf [4] Sex Work | Georgetown Journal of Gender and the Law https://www.law.georgetown.edu/gender-journal/in-print/volume-xxiv-issue-2-annual-review-2023/sex-work/ [5] Fact Sheet Sex Work & Harm Reduction https://harmreduction.org/issues/sex-work/harm-reduction-facts/ [6] [PDF] Briefing on sex workers https://www.bma.org.uk/media/4562/bma-arm-briefing-sex-workers-arm2021.pdf [7] SEX WORKER Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sex worker [8] Confused about the sex industry? I'm here to help! : r/SVU - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/SVU/comments/1ashsv4/confused_about_the_sex_industry_im_here_to_help/