PHI 1102 SEXWORK EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ALL CORRECT
What is the role of cultural blindness in perceptions of sex work? - Answer- It obscures
the similarities between sex work and other service professions, leading to biased
views.
How does Ericsson suggest we view sex and sexuality? - Answer- With the same
naturalness as our cravings for food and drink, free from societal constraints.
What is the argument against the commercialization of society? - Answer- That a fully
commercialized society would lead to a dystopian view of social interactions.
What is the economic comparison made between a call-girl and a housewife? - Answer-
Both may be economically successful, but the call-girl has independence while the
housewife may be dependent.
What does Ericsson conclude about the nature of sex work? - Answer- It can be seen
as a service similar to other professions, challenging the stigma associated with it.
What is the argument regarding sex work and mental health? - Answer- Sex work
causes mental health problems primarily due to the social stigma attached to the
profession.
How could societal attitudes affect sex workers' emotional problems? - Answer- If sex
workers were held in esteem rather than degraded, they would likely experience fewer
mental health issues.
What emotional challenges might sex workers face in personal relationships? - Answer-
Sex workers may struggle to have a well-functioning sex life outside of work due to
emotional detachment from clients.
What does Ericsson speculate about societal attitudes towards sex work? - Answer-
Ericsson believes no definite conclusions can be drawn about the impact of improved
societal attitudes on sex workers' emotional lives.
, Ericsson (1980) - Charges Against Prostitution - Answer- Philosophical assessment of
moral arguments against prostitution.
Main claim of Ericsson's article - Answer- Many common objections to prostitution are
unfounded or based on prejudice.
Critique of conventional moral arguments in Ericsson's article - Answer- Threat to
marriage/family is historically contingent, not inherently immoral.
Disgust-based moral judgments according to Ericsson - Answer- Culturally ingrained
and not rational.
Economic/contractual objections in Ericsson's view - Answer- Sex work can be
legitimate labor.
Ethical lenses focused on by Ericsson - Answer- Autonomy and market exchange.
Ericsson's stance on the morality of prostitution - Answer- Does not claim prostitution is
morally ideal; urges critical rethinking of assumptions.
Conclusion of Ericsson's article - Answer- Society's punitive attitudes often more morally
problematic than prostitution itself.
Pateman (1983) - Defending Prostitution - Answer- Response to Ericsson's defense of
prostitution.
Critique of Ericsson's argument by Pateman - Answer- Ericsson's liberal, consent-based
argument is critiqued.
Key point regarding gender in Pateman's critique - Answer- Gender and power
asymmetry in real-world prostitution.
Insufficiency of consent + market logic according to Pateman - Answer- Due to social
inequalities.
Influence on sexual relations in markets as per Pateman - Answer- Historical and
systemic gender norms.
Theoretical framework used by Pateman - Answer- Feminist theory and sexual contract
critique.
Conclusion of Pateman's article - Answer- Prostitution cannot be defended by liberal
market reasoning alone; need to account for gender justice and power.
Comparative notes on Ericsson and Pateman - Answer- Ericsson focuses on autonomy;
Pateman on gendered power.
AND ANSWERS ALL CORRECT
What is the role of cultural blindness in perceptions of sex work? - Answer- It obscures
the similarities between sex work and other service professions, leading to biased
views.
How does Ericsson suggest we view sex and sexuality? - Answer- With the same
naturalness as our cravings for food and drink, free from societal constraints.
What is the argument against the commercialization of society? - Answer- That a fully
commercialized society would lead to a dystopian view of social interactions.
What is the economic comparison made between a call-girl and a housewife? - Answer-
Both may be economically successful, but the call-girl has independence while the
housewife may be dependent.
What does Ericsson conclude about the nature of sex work? - Answer- It can be seen
as a service similar to other professions, challenging the stigma associated with it.
What is the argument regarding sex work and mental health? - Answer- Sex work
causes mental health problems primarily due to the social stigma attached to the
profession.
How could societal attitudes affect sex workers' emotional problems? - Answer- If sex
workers were held in esteem rather than degraded, they would likely experience fewer
mental health issues.
What emotional challenges might sex workers face in personal relationships? - Answer-
Sex workers may struggle to have a well-functioning sex life outside of work due to
emotional detachment from clients.
What does Ericsson speculate about societal attitudes towards sex work? - Answer-
Ericsson believes no definite conclusions can be drawn about the impact of improved
societal attitudes on sex workers' emotional lives.
, Ericsson (1980) - Charges Against Prostitution - Answer- Philosophical assessment of
moral arguments against prostitution.
Main claim of Ericsson's article - Answer- Many common objections to prostitution are
unfounded or based on prejudice.
Critique of conventional moral arguments in Ericsson's article - Answer- Threat to
marriage/family is historically contingent, not inherently immoral.
Disgust-based moral judgments according to Ericsson - Answer- Culturally ingrained
and not rational.
Economic/contractual objections in Ericsson's view - Answer- Sex work can be
legitimate labor.
Ethical lenses focused on by Ericsson - Answer- Autonomy and market exchange.
Ericsson's stance on the morality of prostitution - Answer- Does not claim prostitution is
morally ideal; urges critical rethinking of assumptions.
Conclusion of Ericsson's article - Answer- Society's punitive attitudes often more morally
problematic than prostitution itself.
Pateman (1983) - Defending Prostitution - Answer- Response to Ericsson's defense of
prostitution.
Critique of Ericsson's argument by Pateman - Answer- Ericsson's liberal, consent-based
argument is critiqued.
Key point regarding gender in Pateman's critique - Answer- Gender and power
asymmetry in real-world prostitution.
Insufficiency of consent + market logic according to Pateman - Answer- Due to social
inequalities.
Influence on sexual relations in markets as per Pateman - Answer- Historical and
systemic gender norms.
Theoretical framework used by Pateman - Answer- Feminist theory and sexual contract
critique.
Conclusion of Pateman's article - Answer- Prostitution cannot be defended by liberal
market reasoning alone; need to account for gender justice and power.
Comparative notes on Ericsson and Pateman - Answer- Ericsson focuses on autonomy;
Pateman on gendered power.
