...when no other job is?
I've been thinking about the language used by advocates for prostitution and strip clubs etc and this really bothers me.
Punters say that women (and the occasional male stripper / prostitute) have the power in the relationship because they're getting cash - that by receiving money for what they're doing empowers them and takes the power away from the men, but it's bull isn't it?
I mean, when I buy meat at the butchers I don't think "Ah that's so nice that I've empowered him" in fact, I can't think of a single instance where I've felt that I've given someone power by buying a product or service from them. If anything, the butcher is reliant on my continuing custom and, if I was a dick, I could use that to my advantage.
Similarly, I like getting paid for my work but I don't find it empowering and I certainly don't have the power in this relationship - if I wanted to have an effect on my employer I'd have to get unionised and there'd still be no guarantee of things going my way.
Can anyone think of a non sexwork related example where it is empowering to be on the receiving end of money rather than the giving end? I'd be genuinely interested if someone could point out a flaw in my argument.