Journal of Social Contemplativa
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Social Contemplativa

Biopower over the Practice of Body Commercialization for Women Commercial Sex Workers through Digital Application

Febriana Aulia (Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa)
Yeby Ma'asan Mayrudin (Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This article discusses how digital transformation has driven a shift in prostitution promotion practices from traditional to digital. This article focuses on the digital application called MiChat, a chat application frequently used by sellers and buyers. This study aims to analyze online prostitution practices and understand how women commercial sex workers (CSWs) who use the MiChat application interpret and negotiate power over their bodies amidst economic pressures, social stigma, and weak legal protection. This study uses qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of female CSWs as research subjects. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with female CSWs who use MiChat, non-participant observation, and documentation. The results indicate that online prostitution is interpreted as a survival strategy and a space for relative bodily autonomy. Female CSWs have control over their working hours, client selection, and setting service boundaries through digital media. However, this power over their bodies is unstable due to limitations imposed by social stigma, the risk of violence, and unclear legal status.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JSC

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Social Contemplativa is an open access and peer-reviewed journal. Our main goal is to disseminate current and original articles from researchers and practitioners on a variety of contemporary social issues, politics and gender identity, digital society and disruption, civil society ...