Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work

by Rebecca Jaremko Bromwich (Editor And Contributor), Monique Marie DeJong (Editor and Contributor)

Exploring the shared intersections of mothering, motherhood and sex work, Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work weaves together range a of voices from academic and sex worker communities around the world. It features interdisciplinary contributions, scholarly essays, academic research, artwork, poetry, photography and experiential narratives. Notable among these are two modern masterpieces from literary legends: “Voices,” a short story by Alice Munro and excerpts from Maya Angelou’s autobiography Gather Together in my Name. In the spirit of the adage “nothing about us without us,” Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work brings together unique and controversial viewpoints defying conventional wisdom to provide fresh insights into sex workers and their rights. Beginning with the political, legal and social context of sexuality and gender in Canada, the book’s focus widens to explore issues affecting sex workers worldwide.

Praise:

"Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work is a much-needed intervention that illuminates the intersectional challenges facing mothers involved in sex work, and their children, extended families and communities. Taking a transdisciplinary approach, the creative-critical anthology engages with the resistance, resilience, joy and humour that sex-working mothers demonstrate in the face of stigma, oppression and sex work-phobic maternal discourses." -Ummni Khan, Associate Professor, Carleton University

"This path-breaking anthology challenges readers and scholars to rethink their notions of mother work and sex work. Sex work is more than sex, and mothering is much more than an occupational hazard of sex work. Whether they have borne children or not, the contributors reveal the many ways that women on society s margins are governed through shame, stigma, economic precarity, welfare discipline, and carceral regimes. Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work draws out, in multidisciplinary fashion, the consanguinities of gendered labor under racialized patriachy and neoliberal capitalism. This is required reading that demands attention." -Melinda (Mindy) Chateauvert, Author of Sex Workers Unite! A History of the Movement from Stonewall to Slutwalk

"This book will undoubtedly be a great resource for current and former sex workers who need to see themselves represented somewhere in the culture they live in, as well as for sensitive outsiders who would like to gain more reliable information about sex work than any mainstream television documentary or magazine article is likely to provide. A short review can not do justice to this book. you will simply have to read it yourself." -Jean Hillabold, Instructor, Department of English, University of Regina

"Powerful and persuasive, this collection both challenges conventional understandings of the good mother and explodes the dichotomous frames of abolitionism or regulation, victim or agent, that have stymied feminist discussions of sex work. Bromwich and DeJong help us rethink the meaning of women’s labors in new and exciting ways." -Eileen Boris, Hull Professor of Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, co-editor, Intimate Labors: Cultures, Technologies and the Politics of Care

"Being a mom is why I am a sex worker. I can be a mom. I also LOVE my work. Sincerely. It is an art form and not meant for everyone. But I could have never given my baby the quality (or safety) of life I have been able to give had I not been a sex worker." -Domina Elle, Mother and Sex Worker

294 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2015

Reviews

[Vivien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging read that I highly recommend! The editors and contributors to this book have done a remarkable job of creating an intelligent and nuanced exploration of the intersection of mothers and sex work. Mothers, Mothering, and Sex Work addresses the complexity and intersectionality of sensitive and painful issues, ranging from definitions and distinctions between “sex work,” “sex trafficking,” and “prostitution,” to a discussion of socio-economic influences, colonization, and globalization. Additionally, inclusion of pieces from those whose lives have been directly impacted by sex work humanizes the struggles within this contested terrain and elicits compassion from the reader. The contributors challenge themselves and the reader by moving the discussion beyond the binary of pro/anti sex work into a more dynamic understanding of the multifaceted factors involved at both the individual and societal level. Although this book centers its discussion on sex work within Canada and the accompanying legal issues, it does also reference global perspectives and challenges. Mothers, Mothering, and Sex Work’s brilliant analysis is complemented by its interdisciplinary approach to the subject, showcasing poetry, photography, artwork, creative writing, and academic papers. This is a dynamic exploration of sex work and mothering and an important contribution to existing scholarship.

[Vicki Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monique and Rebecca have taken a subject that has been on a hit list for many years and opened eyes to the reality of sex work and mothering, giving history behind a very old profession. You will be amazed at the various interviews throughout the book. Soon you will realize that most of the women in this profession are indeed great Mothers. I highly recommend this book as a long over due awakening!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of writings on the nuances of women who make a living in sex work while raising children. Monique DeJong's collection defies stereotypes that vilify sex workers and shows women can be both maternal and sensual.