Typology of “indirect” sex work
| Type | Geographic distribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Bondage and discipline: sexual fantasy through role play. May involve the inflicting of pain, but genital contact is not routine | Apparently unique to wealthier countries36 | |
| Lap dancing: A recent development involving erotic dancing at close quarters without sexual contact | Predominantly wealthier countries—often takes place in hotels and clubs | |
| Massage parlour: Premises ostensibly dedicated to providing massage, but a range of sexual services may be provided. In South East Asia similar arrangements may apply in barbershops | Europe, South East Asia, and Australia37 | |
| Travelling entertainers: Actors, dancers and others involved in entertainment may also provide sexual services | South East Asia 23,37,38 | |
| Beer girls: Young women hired by major companies to promote and sell products in bars and clubs. Sexual services sold to supplement income | Cambodia, Uganda, other developing countries39,40 | |
| Street vendors and traders: Ostensibly marketing rural produce or other goods but supplementing income with sexual services | Widespread in developing countries22,38 | |
| Opportunistic: A person approached in a social venue may occasionally choose to charge for sexual favours if the client appears wealthy enough | Ubiquitous | |
| Femme libre: Women, usually single or divorced, who exchange sexual services for gifts. The gifts are then converted to cash | Central Africa34 | |
| Individual arrangements: The single mother who may have sex with her landlord in place of rent. Older sex workers who only deal with a small number of regular clients, by appointment. “Kept” women or men. Concubines. The number of possible arrangements is vast | Ubiquitous | |
| Swingers clubs: Some swingers or couples sex clubs employ (undisclosed) sex workers if there is a shortage of female guests | Predominantly wealthier countries | |
| Geisha: Women engaged primarily to provide social company, but sex may ensue | Japanese cities | |
| “Sex for drugs”: Women providing fellatio for crack cocaine in crack houses. Young homosexual men in Western countries may provide opportunistic sexual services paid with drugs | Crack houses are unique to the United States13 | |
| Beachboys, bumsters, and gigolos: Men and boys engaged by women ostensibly for social purposes but sex is often involved. Some beachboys are under aged and many also service male clients | Resorts, particularly in developing countries42 | |
| Survival sex: A matter of degree, where starvation or other serious deprivation is imminent, particularly for dependants. Food or security may be the currency, rather than money | Refugee camps anywhere11 |