Sex at the Margins

Migration, Labour Markets, and the Rescue Industry

By: Laura Agustin

Narrated by: Robert Blumenfeld

This groundbreaking book explodes several myths: that selling sex is completely different from any other kind of work; that migrants who sell sex are passive victims; and that the multitude of people out to save them are without self-interest. Laura Agustín argues that the label 'trafficked' does not accurately describe migrants' lives and that the 'rescue industry' disempowers them.

Based on extensive research amongst migrants who sell sex and social helpers, Sex at the Margins provides a radically different analysis. Frequently, says Agustín, migrants make rational choices to travel and work in the sex industry. Although they are treated like a marginalised group they form part of the dynamic global economy. Both powerful and controversial, this book is essential listening for all those who want to understand the increasingly important relationship between sex markets, migration and the desire for social justice.

©2007 Laura Agustin (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

great read

interesting view of work and migration. gave me something to think about. I reccomend to anyone interested in sex work in particular or women's migration in general.

The Rescue Industry is Built on Sex Worker's Backs

Agustín has almost singlehandedly changed the international debate about the definition and exploitation of the “sex trafficking” world as it is manipulated and exploited by NGOs, the Rescue Industry and major political players.

The corruption and disassembling that is going in the name of “saving victims” is truly shocking, and that's why this book has been on every feminist, public policy, and migrant rights desk since its first appearance.

Whatever Agustín does next, Margins will remain as the classic that started the fireworks. As far as I'm concerned, this book is the vanguard of feminism and the bleeding edge of migration consciousness

Cuts Through the BS About Sex

Shows how issues like "trafficking" are trumped up by "philanthropy" groups to sustain and enrich themselves.

Key text for all who desire equity and justice

Still an important and relevant text to this day. Laura Agustin takes on migration, feminism, sex work, poverty, trans rights, and so much more in a clear and concise way. If you volunteer/work/want to be involved in activism for equity and social justice, this book will help you side step the harmful pitfalls such efforts have fallen into over the last few centuries. One of my favorite points in this book is the idea of "studying up" or for those who are usually studied or "helped" to collect data on those "helping."

disappointing read

Sounded a lot more interesting than it was, a few note worthy points, but poor writing and a very one sided view, which is exactly what the author complains about of the opposing view point.