Cybersex, Virtual Reality (VR), Sex Robots, & Sex Dolls
The Asymmetrical ‘Relationship’: Parallels between Prostitution and the Development of Sex Robots.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
In this paper I examine the model of asymmetrical ‘relationship’ that is imported from prostitution-client sex work to human-robot sex. Specifically, I address the arguments proposed by David Levy who identifies prostitution/sex work as a model that can be imported into human-robot sex relations. I draw on literature in anthropology that deals with the anthropomorphism of nonhuman things and the way that things reflect back to us gendered notions of sexuality. In the final part of the paper I propose that prostitution is no ordinary activity and relies on the ability to use a person as a thing and this is why parallels between sex robots and prostitution are so frequently found by their advocates.
Relevance
“I propose that extending relations of prostitution into machines is neither ethical, nor is it safe. If anything the development of sex robots will further reinforce relations of power that do not recognise both parties as human subjects. Only the buyer of sex is recognised as a subject, the seller of sex (and by virtue the sex-robot) is merely a thing to have sex with.”
Citation
Richardson, K. (2016). The Asymmetrical ‘Relationship’: Parallels between Prostitution and the Development of Sex Robots. ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society, 45(3), 290-293.
https://doi.org/10.1145/2874239.2874281
