ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we focus on critical feminist theories and praxis to explore the social work profession’s engagement with sex trade in practice, policy, education, and research. We begin by defining anti-imperialist and anti-carceral feminisms and their significance to the field of social work. We discuss the need for social workers to grapple with the deep complexities of cultural imperialism, colonization, and global power relations that have shaped the understanding of sexual agency and the constrained choices of people participating in sex work. We center critical feminist theories, breaking down imperialist and carceral feminist views that infantilize and further marginalize Black and Brown women, especially those from the Global South. Additionally, anti-carceral feminism offers a lens to critique the criminalization of sex work and corresponding rescue and reform efforts. Both strands of feminism highlight the importance of social work interventions that value alternatives to the criminal legal system, such as community accountability, systemic change, harm reduction, and the self-identified needs of people in the sex trades. Furthermore, this chapter explores social work practice inclusive of survival-centered advocacy and centering strengths, while engaging in policy advocacy with sex workers at the macro level. Overall, approaches to social work education should emphasize the diversity of experiences in sex trades, while research can focus on participatory, community-based, and arts-based approaches to co-constructing knowledge.
