Abstract
Summary Sex work in Malaysia is seen as a deviant activity that is socially frowned upon. Malaysian laws aiming at curbing sex work has not been effective in eliminating sex work in Malaysia, instead it has pushed sex work underground where it thrives. New Internet technologies have been adopted by clients of sex workers to access hidden commercial sex venues that authorities have tried to suppress and keep away from the view of the public. This study examines the discourses of male clients of female sex workers and the application of Sykes and Matza (1957) techniques of neutralization used by male clients to normalize their ‘deviant’ activities. Part of this study examines the discourses of members from two Internet forums, where members assist other members in uncovering the hidden areas of sex work through their discussions and sharing of commercial sex experiences online. This study suggests that these discourses aim at inculcating a sense of normalcy to their ‘deviant’ activity as suggested by Sykes and Matza. This qualitative study of 35 Malaysian men obtained through snowball sampling from 2015 till 2018 explores their usage of online information in assisting with the purchase of female sex workers; examination of these men's offline discourses and behaviours when purchasing sex workers was conducted through face to face intensive interviews and participation observation. Participants use techniques of neutralization to overcome fear and societal distain when participating in commercial sex activities.
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