Ctrl+Alt+Desire: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Masculinity and Sexism in Online Narratives Documenting Commercial Sex Experiences in Nevada's Legal and Illegal Commercial Sex Industry
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Authors
Ling-Sudler, Tahliah
Issue Date
2025
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
commercial sex industry , masculinity , sex buyers , sexism , social exchange theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
Despite the illegality of commercial sex work in most of the United States, the Internet has become a key tool for facilitating transactions between sex buyers and sex workers. Moreover, online communities, enabled by the Internet, provide a platform for sex buyers to exchange explicit details about their experiences, including prices paid, services received, and satisfaction with services received. Such communities present a unique opportunity to study the social-psychological processes influencing commercial sex buying - an area with limited existing empirical research. While existing research has delineated variations among sex buyers, such as diverse motives and dimensions of masculinity, there remains a scarcity of studies delving into how the identified masculinity "typologies" might influence sex buying and related behaviors. Further, even though there is recognition that ideals of masculinity are related to beliefs about and expectations of women, none of the same studies have examined how sexism might be connected to masculinity in sex-buying behaviors. Lastly, few studies have applied the concept of cost-benefit analyses to commercial sex-buying behaviors. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore whether previously identified masculinity typologies were evident within narratives posted in online commercial sex communities. This study also aimed to identify sexist ideals within the same narratives. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the connection between different practices of masculinity and expressions of sexist ideals and language, as well as satisfaction with commercial sex experiences. Lastly, the study aimed to explore sex buyers' adherence to commercial sex laws in Nevada based on their masculinity typology.
This dissertation utilized the theories of masculinity, sexism, and social exchange theory to examine sex buyers' behaviors. More specifically, it explored how these frameworks collectively influence participation in the commercial sex industry, focusing on gender expression, gender inequality, and individual decision-making processes. By uniquely combining these theories, the research aimed to explain how masculine ideologies and sexist beliefs impact the rationalization of purchasing sex and the chosen location in which the sex is purchased. This novel approach aimed to provide insights into the social-psychological processes that enable participation in the commercial sex industry.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach using qualitative and quantitative content analysis and chi-square analysis. I adopted a non-participatory observer role (i.e., lurking) in two online communities where sex buyers discuss their commercial sex experiences. One community was focused on legal commercial sex (e.g., brothels), and the other community was focused on illegal commercial sex (e.g., street-based prostitution, Asian-massage parlors, etc.). From each community, I collected posts in which users reviewed and rated their commercial sex experiences that occurred in Nevada.
An analysis of 354 commercial sex reviews found expressions of masculinity and sexism, and exhibited a pattern between masculinity and sexism. Additionally, the study found patterns between masculinity, sexism, and satisfaction with commercial sex experiences. The study also found a pattern between masculinity and sectors of commercial sex, such that johns expressing elements of certain masculinity typologies appeared to be drawn to specific sectors of commercial sex. Lastly, the study found that descriptions - tone, vulgarity, and focus - of commercial sex experience differed significantly by sector of commercial sex. The findings of this study provide insight into the social-psychological processes that might influence sex-buying behavior, which has implications for prevention and intervention programs and the safety of providers.