The term "whorearchy" (a play on words combining "whore" and "hierarchy") is used in sex worker communities and academic studies to describe the hierarchy of stigma and "respectability" within sex work. It is not an official structure, but rather a social and cultural phenomenon where certain forms of monetized sexuality receive less judgment, more privileges, and greater acceptance than others.
The concept highlights how, even among people stigmatized for selling sex, a division exists that perpetuates internal and external hatred (known as whorephobia). The term became popular in the 1990s, possibly in Jill Nagle's book Whores and Other Feminists (1997), and has been expanded in research on feminism and sociology.
How is the whorearchy visualized?
It is commonly represented as a pyramid, where the top has more "prestige" (less stigma, more security, better income) and the base suffers the greatest marginalization (more violence, criminalization, and poverty). These diagrams often show divisions based on factors such as physical contact, autonomy, social class, and visibility.
The hierarchy: An updated and accurate version
This list captures the whorearchy in the digital age (post-OnlyFans), where online autonomy has increased, but the stigma persists. It is ranked from highest to lowest perceived "respectability":
* Mainstream models (or actresses): (e.g., softcore scenes, lingerie campaigns, sensual photos in magazines like Vogue or Victoria's Secret).
* Perception: Viewed as "art" or "glamour." Legitimized by global brands and institutional control.
* Award-winning porn actresses: (e.g., AVN or XBIZ winners, with "professional" careers).
* Perception: Perceived as "elite" due to contracts, agents, and industry recognition.
* Luxury escorts: (High rates, exclusive clientele, companionship services).
* Perception: Associated with sophistication and discretion; they have less negative public exposure.
* Erotic models: (e.g., Playboy, Suicide Girls, nude art).
* Perception: Focus on aesthetics without necessarily explicit or hardcore content.
* Niche Content Creators: (e.g., former cosplayers or gaming influencers who transition to adult content).
* Perception: Their "cute" niche and follower base make them seem more "approachable" or less judged.
* Independent creators (OnlyFans/Fansly):
* Perception: Although they are independent, they face market saturation and outright hate due to their "visibility."
* Direct contact sex workers: (Mid-level escorts or street sex workers).
* Perception: Highest risk of violence, poverty, and criminalization. This is the sector most unprotected by the law.
* Causes: It is a product of patriarchy, classism, and racism. The top positions are usually held by white, cisgender, thin, upper-middle-class women.
* Consequences: It divides workers (some distance themselves by saying "I'm not like them"), perpetuates violence against lower-level employees, and hinders union solidarity. The #SexWorkIsWork slogan seeks precisely to combat this division.
* Internal criticisms: Many activists are calling for the abolition of this concept to achieve complete destigmatization.
In summary: Whorearchy is a critical tool for understanding that stigma is not uniform: it is a ladder of privilege where some climb, sometimes at the expense of the marginalization of others. Recognizing it is the first step to dismantling it and achieving equal rights for all.