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Drawing on seven years of field research in the sex industry, this book explores the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. The authors take readers into the worlds of feminist pornography, modern burlesque, escort collectives, erotic domination, and non-profit support organizations to share stories of the women and transgender people using their businesses to challenge dehumanization. In doing so, the book shows how entrepreneurship is not just a tool for economic emancipation, but a vehicle for reclaiming humanity.
These insights challenge dominant narratives about sex work, gender, and stigmatized labour, while extending scholarship on entrepreneurship and institutional theory. The authors ultimately show that even in the most constrained and stigmatized environments, people can shape work on their own terms.
Trish Ruebottom is Associate Professor of Human Resources and Management and Acting PhD Program Director at McMaster University.
Madeline Toubiana is Professor of Strategy and Management and Desmarais Chair of Entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa. She is also an adjunct Faculty at Alberta School of Business and a research fellow of the Community Impact Research Program at Queen’s University.
Introduction
Part I: Structural Rehumanization
1. Structural Dehumanization
2. Escort Collective Founders: Introducing a New Business Model
3. Dominatrices: Bounding a Sovereign Space
4. Feminist Pornography Producers – Creating a New Genre
5. Structural Rehumanization
Part II: Self Rehumanization
6. Self Dehumanization
7. Nonprofit Organizers: Assuming Positions of Authority
8. Burlesque Performers: Engaging in Play
9. Self Rehumanization
Conclusion
Appendix A. Methodology
Appendix B. TEDx Talk – Life Lessons from Innovators Changing the Sex Industry