413047-Underground-Commercial-Sex-Economy

networks respondents operated to facilitate prostitution, and chapter 7 considers the logistical and
operational methods and tools employed by respondents. The following section introduces definitions of
pimping and sex trafficking, then reports perspectives regarding the word “pimp,” and outlines the
definitions employed in this report.
Main Findings from this Chapter Include:
Identity: The majority of respondents reported that the media inaccurately portrays all pimps as violent. While fifteen
percent of respondents to this study reported using violence to control their employees, respondents felt that popular
interpretations of pimp-managed sex work exaggerate the use of force perpetrated by pimps against employees.
External influences on entry into pimping: Extant literature has offered some insight on how pimps first engage in
the facilitation of sex work. Studies have suggested that individuals that grew up in neighborhoods where prostitution was
prevalent or have family members engaged in sex work sometimes enter the field. Other research has found that
individuals working in other illegal underground economies, such as drug dealing, sometimes move into the facilitation of
underground sex markets. Our findings corroborate earlier studies and shed light on new ways that individuals start
pimping. Pimps cited multiple influences on their own choices, and thus different factors are not mutually exclusive.
Internal motivations for entry into pimping: Pimps cited self-perception of business-related strengths as a factor in
the decision to become a pimp. Beyond the impact of external influences, pimps believed that their capacity to convince or
manipulate other people to engage in activities, their focus on making money, and their leadership skills were reasons to
become involved in pimping.
Perceptions of business-related risks: As prior research on pimping and sex trafficking has focused on the
perspectives of law enforcement and victims, little information is documented about how perpetrators perceive and
interpret the risks associated with the facilitation of sex work. Respondents cited multiple risks they recognized due to
their involvement in pimping. Arrest was the primary consequence feared by pimps, followed by personal safety, and
employee safety.
Risk mitigation: Pimps employed multiple tactics to mitigate business-related risks. To control against law enforcement
detection, pimps avoided hiring minors and worked proactively to identify law enforcement stings prior to making
transactions. To ensure personal safety, some pimps reported carrying weapons. To protect employee safety, pimps armed
employees, enforced safety-related rules, and remained close to employees when they met customers.
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