The Relationship Between Social Stigma and Career Decisions of Individualized and Freelance Male Sex Workers

Abstract

Switching from a white-collar professional to a sex worker is not an easy step, particularly for individuals with a postgraduate degree in South Korea who may have significant expectations from their parents, peers, and communities. Based on the social stigma theory and social cognitive career and motivation theory, this study aims to understand how stress and pressure impact the motivations, career decisions, and decision-making processes of individualized and freelance male sex workers and their career transition experiences in South Korea. Based on the thematic analysis, ten highly educated male sex workers joined and shared their experiences. The researchers categorized three main finding themes, including (a) not liking the office and white-collar positions, (b) not wanting to hide sexuality as gay and bisexual men, and (c) financial considerations play a significant role in experiences and career decision-making processes. This study examined the social stigma, challenges, and career decision-making processes of male sex workers who previously held white-collar positions in South Korea but switched to sex work after a few years of service. Based on the outcomes of this study based upon the voices from the male sex workers, government leaders and non-profit organizational workers should use this study as a reference to establish support and plans to help sex workers due to their situations and social challenges.