Sex workers, often called whores or prostitutes, are people who engage in the act of providing sexual services to another person in exchange for payment. Public perceptions of prostitution vary across culture and social status.
In some cultures, all sex workers are frowned upon. In other cultures, the respect given to prostitution is predicated on the social status of clientele. For example, in most nations, Courtesans are viewed with prestige and respect, as they service upper class people.