Person, Not a Profit: The Intersection Between Commercialized Sexual Experiences and the Loss of Personhood

Commercialized sex work is a multi-billion-dollar industry, consumable by platforms in person and online. Regardless of the easy accessibility, the impacts of this industry have been debated for decades on whether the industry supports its workers or creates profits from exploitation and non-consensual activities. This literature review will analyze the intersection between commercialized sex work and the loss of personhood. This research will also explore the perpetuation of this industry from an economic and neurological point of view and explore the impacts on the performer and consumer. Referring to previous research on mental health, global sexual violence, the presence of aggression, and stereotypes, this article will re-establish a criterion for personhood as constructed by Kantian ethics. This review aims to compare an established criterion of personhood and the effects of commercialized sex work on performers and consumers to observe the inconsistencies between this industry and honoring inherent human value and dignity.