“Please Describe a Person who Sells Sex”: (De)humanizing Prototypic Perceptions in the USA

The article 'Please Describe a Person who Sells Sex': (De)humanizing Prototypic Perceptions in the USA' delves into the societal and interpersonal challenges faced by people who trade sex, with a particular focus on the stigmatizing language used to describe them. It examines how terms like 'prostitute', 'sex worker', 'individual who sells sex', 'whore', and 'escort' influence public perception and contribute to systemic discrimination. The study employs a prototype methodology to analyze participant responses, revealing significant differences in how these terms are perceived. The results underscore the need for more inclusive and humanizing language in legal, policy, and clinical contexts to mitigate stigma and promote equality. The article also highlights the importance of understanding the lived experiences of people who trade sex to inform more effective support strategies.