Sex Workers & the Feminist Table

Scarlot Harlot demonstrates on Wall Street for the legalization of prostitution, New York, New York, May 24, 1990. (Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images)

Women’s bodies have long been a battleground—debated, regulated, and policed by the state, society, and even other women. In this podcast, we dive into one of the most contentious issues in feminist discourse: prostitution and sex work.

Second-wave feminists viewed prostitution as a form of violence against women, a manifestation of patriarchal oppression that left women with little to no agency. Thinkers like Andrea Dworkin argued that prostitution was akin to rape, reducing women to commodities for male consumption. But as feminism evolved, so did the conversation. Third-wave feminists pushed back, challenging the idea that all sex work is inherently exploitative. They highlighted the importance of listening to sex workers themselves—acknowledging the agency, autonomy, and diverse realities within the industry.

This ongoing debate isn’t just about sex work; it’s about the broader ways in which women police each other’s bodies. Why do women so often perpetuate the very systems that control and stigmatize them? How do class, race, and power shape these narratives? And what happens when we center the voices of those most affected?

Through deep dives into research, history, and contemporary discourse, this podcast unpacks the layers of judgment, stigma, and moral policing that shape how we think about sex work, feminism, and autonomy. Whether you’re new to the conversation or have been following these debates for years, this is a space for critical reflection, challenging assumptions, and, most importantly, amplifying the voices that matter most.