Epistemologically privileging the sex worker: Uncovering the rehearsed and presumed in sex work studies

This chapter addresses one of these epistemological principles which are rarely problematised: the epistemological privileging of the sex worker. the epistemological privileging of sex workers in research implies recognising sex workers as the experts of their own lives and placing their lived experiences at the centre of the inquiry. In general, research that privileges sex workers' voices produces knowledge of an experiential nature. It tells the stories of the participants, and it brings to the foreground the issues and experiences the sex workers deem important, instead of the researcher imposing what he or she thinks is relevant. Participatory methodologies presume the presence and active participation of sex workers, demanding a level of commitment from all those involved. Egalitarianism is not only a goal within the research relationship, but research between equals – sex workers with sex workers – is also highly valued. This reaffirms the co-ownership of the project as well as producing better outcomes.