Participate in a Research Study on Escorting

We are excited to invite you to participate in a research study, approved by the University of Colorado Boulder. The title of the study is “Managing Vulnerability, Framing Authenticity: Insights from a High-Risk, Stigmatized Occupational Context” (IRB: 24-0397). It is aimed at exploring the experience of escorts in their occupation.

This study seeks to gain deeper insights into escorts’ experience. If you agree, you will participate in a semi-structured interview (about 50-60 minutes) via a secure video conferencing platform. Audio, but not video, will be recorded unless you opt out verbally at the start of the interview. You might also be invited to one shorter follow-up interview of up to 30 minutes. To participate in the study (including a follow-up interview, if selected) you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Have your primary residence in the US;
  • Currently offer indoor in-person erotic services OR have offered indoor in-person erotic services in the past even if not doing so currently;
  • Conduct (or, if in the past, have conducted) your work freely and without coercion.

Your participation is voluntary, and all information collected will be kept confidential. Your insights will contribute significantly to understanding escorts’ experiences. High-end sex work is a job that blends high risk with the ability and motivation to negotiate vulnerability skillfully. Therefore, this setting offers a great context in which to study important professional dynamics that are relevant to other workplaces but less visible in them.

If you are interested in participating, please sign up HERE. If you have any questions, please reach out! Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to this important research.

Joshua S. Nunziato
Principal Investigator 
Assistant Teaching Professor
Leeds School of Business
University of Colorado Boulder
Joshua.nunziato@colorado.edu

Dejun “Tony” Kong
Associate Professor
Leeds School of Business
University of Colorado Boulder

Lyndon Garrett
Assistant Professor
Melbourne Business School
University of Melbourne