'I offered what I have for what I want' : a study of transactional hook-up practices by young females in Nigeria

Abstract

In this article, we examine the nature of exchange in hook-ups, a pervasive sexual and erotic service provision-for-money practice in Nigeria. This erotic exchange is portrayed as 'what I have for what I want.' An increasingly viable means of survival for young females that involves trading consensual sex and nudes for money, gifts, and travel opportunities. Using a qualitative method grounded in social exchange theory. The study conducted in-depth interviews with young females and patrons/pimps of hook-ups in four South-western cities of Nigeria. The study established that transactional hook-up agencies and patrons prefer to recruit younger hookers below 22 years old because of their sexual marketability, attract wealthy clientele. In Nigeria, these hook-up agencies often collaborate with hotels and liaise with Mobile Apps such as Bingdum, Bumble, Badoo and Olosho for clientele of various statuses to book young females and even young married females offering erotic services for survival. We found that the desire for survival, opportunities for international travel, social connections with wealthy Nigerians, and dysfunctional households compelled more young females to hook up. Despite the challenges, health risks, and the risk of being used for ritual sacrifices and exploitation by agencies/patrons. The transactional hook-up sector is lucrative, offers opportunities and accommodates newcomers in Nigeria. Imperatively, the study highlights young people's empowerment and regulation of the hook-up sex industry in Nigeria.