Sex workers : a life experience

Abstract

What kind of person does one's mind conjure up as a typical 'sex worker'? Is it of a glamorous 'Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman' type or of a ruthless, disgraceful woman, wearing the tiniest fabric, teetering on high heels? The researcher's aim was to go beyond the various images and stereotypes and seek to gain insight of the person inside the 'short skirt and high heels'. The most valid way of obtaining accurate information was considered to be talking to the experts of the field - the women engaged in prostitution themselves. Accordingly, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with five women; three of whom were, at the time, engaged in the sex trade while the other two had exited after considerable years working in prostitution. The interviews gave rise to significant information, including: the various paths that lead to the engagement in prostitution; the numerous issues entangled within the sex trade - such as economic difficulties, substance abuse and shelter problems; the discrimination sex workers face and endure while doing their work; their opinion regarding their own work; what makes a sex worker decide to leave the trade and what keeps a woman there. What is striking is that, even though only five participants were involved, the research presents a range of situations which women who decide to engage in prostitution might come across. This was due to the fact that each and every experience was unique. The research provides, on one part of the spectrum, an experience of a sex worker who has been involved in the trade for thirty years and, on the other end, that of a young woman who had been in prostitution for only three weeks. Nonetheless, the research also recognises patterns of commonalities in the participants' experiences, which include: the early age of entrance in prostitution, the absence or rejection of parents in formative years and the relation of substance addiction to distressing events that preceded or originate from their entrance in the sex trade. Such factors were considered useful information in forming policy and outreach efforts. Finally, conclusions were drawn on the basis of the findings and recommendations were made with the aim of creating an effective response to aiding women in prostitution. The researcher believes that the first step towards social change is challenging stereotypes and raising awareness about the reality of sex workers through their own lived experience.