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Language Matters

Posted by Beyond The Streets on 20/06/2011 at 10:11 AM



With the recent attention that has been given to the Slutwalk that took place in London on the 11th June 2011, another discussion has arisen around the labels we use for those who are involved in the sex industry: prostitute, sex worker, whore, slut, victim….


For many these terms remain unexamined and relegated to examples of political correctness. Does it really matter what words we use to describe those we work with?


Language, reflects the viewpoint of the speaker and is a powerful weapon that can stir up emotion and shape action. How then do we describe the sale of sex and examine the connotations for those who sell it? Given the complexity of the ‘sex industry,’ there is no uncomplicated terminology to describe the payment for sex acts.


The ‘sex industry’ is estimated to be worth approximately US $31 billion a year and it is sex which many presume this industry to be about. Yet this global industry is more accurately understood as an abuse of power and/or vulnerability that preys on the young, vulnerable and marginalised - disproportionately this issues affects women and girls.


It is VITAL that we start to look deeper into the labels that we use to describe people, remembering that they are first of all PEOPLE.


If you would like to read a more in depth document about the affects of labeling you can download our Signpost Series: Lifting the Label at: http://www.ncapuk.org/content/resources/


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