Between pleasure and suffering

subjective livings of sex workers in São Paulo

Abstract

This research was based on the articulation of socio-historical psychology and of psychodynamics of work. It tries to understand aspects of the subjectivity of sex workers in the city of São Paulo. It was performed based on a qualitative research with semi-directed interviews. Four sex workers participated in the study together with one ex-sex worker who leads an NGO that hosts sex workers. The subjective aspects obtained through interviews and observation were contextualized in a historical, social and cultural perspective. The articulation between significations and meanings points to aspects of pleasure and suffering in the sexual work. The results indicated that sex workers are socially subdued and often subjected to different prejudices. Remaining, thus, on the margin of society. The workers pointed out that the experiences of pleasure and suffering are not only related to sexual practice, but also to the relationship with colleagues, the environment in which the activity is carried out and various situations related to the organization of sex work.