Student Prostitution Online: Distinction, Ambition and Ruptures

A student union recently estimated that "40,000 students are now prostitutes in France." The primary cause is the growing precariousness and high cost of student life. This study, carried out in 2006-2007, is a vivid description of the novelty of this form of prostitution. It is practiced discreetly, occasionally, independently, via the Internet, mainly by young female students who call themselves "escorts."

The book's findings are twofold. While student prostitution is first and foremost linked to a precarious economic situation and low-income parents, it can sometimes be experienced as a means of emancipating oneself from a framed sexuality, from a life that's too smooth, or of taking "revenge" on the myth of Prince Charming. Also, this type of prostitution differs from so-called "traditional" prostitution-selection of clients, "friendly" atmosphere, socialization through generational and social class differences.

The fact remains that for these students, the "choice" of becoming a prostitute is dependent on a series of social and representative breakdowns, frequently linked to the power of money, the attraction of certain material signs of wealth, and also to a double domination: masculine and socio-economic.

Eva Clouet is currently studying for a Master 2 in Sociology (Gender and Social Policies) at Toulouse II - Le Mirail University.