Managing Multiple Marginalization: Russian-Speaking Women Doing Sex Work in Finland

When migration and commercial sex come together in academic writing or popular imagination they often morph into trafficking discourse, leaving little room for a more nuanced exploration of experience and attitudes of migrant women engaged in commercial sex. This study of Russian-speaking women working in different fields of erotic and adult industry in Finland analyses how they conceptualise and make sense of sexualisation of Russianness, the association of Russians with commercial sex and assumptions made about their migration history based on their perceived Russianness. The study shows how the women, when discussing their work experience and migration, challenge and negotiate the assumptions made about their ethnic and cultural identity as well as their sexuality.    

The study is based on interviews conducted with Russian-speaking women engaged in different forms of erotic and sexual labour including escorts, exotic dancers, adult film actresses and models, etc. The study also draws on data derived from ethnographic research in private shows, exotic dance clubs and sex restaurants in two large cities in Finland.