Stigma Hierarchies: The Internal Dynamics of Stigmatization in the Sex Work Occupation

Scholars studying stigmatized, or “dirty work,” occupations have tended to characterize people outside of the occupation as stigmatizers and those within social supports who buffer each other from stigma. We argue that this characterization discounts unique ways stigmatization can take place heterogeneous challenges it raises for finding support occupational members. Based on a six-year qualitative study sex work in Canada, we explore internal dynamics occupation. Our analysis reveals workers are not just stigmatized but also stigmatizers, they elaborate, borrow, adapt perceptions stigma rank into hierarchy. To avoid risks being based hierarchy, engage stealth organizing find safe others provide support. Thus is stigma-free haven its workers. Instead, whole characterized by dissension among Their efforts lead what call bounded entitativity: sense grouplike confined small community groups broader context dissension. found entitativity be associated with members undertaking change efforts.