"I Don’t Really Need You. I Got a Body That’s Going to Get Me What I Need”: A Case Study on Sexual Autonomy and Agency Through Camming and Social Media Engagement Among Black Young Adult Females
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: Described by participants as virtual sex work, "camming", short for webcamming has become a popular method of achieving independence and financial gain. As defined by Jones (2015), virtual sex work functions as an Internet-mediated exchange of sexual services. With an increase in popular culture's influence on virtual sex-work including camming, the current study is guided by one research question: what role does online sexual work play in the decision making and behaviors of Black adolescent and young adult females? Method: Using case study analysis, semi-structured interviews with Black adolescent and young adult Black females (n=4), ages 16-22, highlight personal accounts of their engagement or exposure to online sex work and online sexual platforms. Results: Three primary themes emerge: survival through self-reliance and empowerment; intentionality towards meeting financial needs; and awareness of risks and threats. The respondent's juxtaposition between achieving sexual autonomy and dealing with threats to personal safety are discussed. Conclusions: Social work practitioners should consider culturally appropriate harm reduction interventions specifically for Black adolescent and emerging adult women engaged in the camming and online sex work industry.
DOI: 10.1086/719849
Language: English
Topic: Sex work and related issues
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4220777441