Sex as Work: A Study of Avocational Counseling

Abstract

This paper examines how sex play is represented in fifteen popular marriage manuals. The authors of these books are viewed as avocational counselors advising Americans about sexual activity in marriage. An analysis revealed that sex play is treated as work by these authors. Those engaged in sexual relations are urged to put forth a great deal of effort. The orgasm is portrayed as the product of marital sex. Other aspects of a job deemed necessary in sexual behavior are a work schedule and special techniques and equipment. Depicting sex as work is probably the consequence of the need of Americans to justify and dignify play and to resolve the contradictory values of work for work's sake and pleasure for pleasure's sake.