Exploring the challenges of female sex workers who are heads of households and the survival strategies they adopt in Johannesburg.
Date
2017
Authors
Rodrigues, Kaylee
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Abstract
South Africa, along with many other countries in the world have economic and social systems that predominantly undermine women and disempower even those who have managed to gain independence. The effects seem to be more significant and more advanced for female sex workers in South Africa. Economic injustice and social injustice, including, but not limited to, stigma, HIV/AIDS, financial exclusion and physical violence have substantial effects and seem to be worse for those female sex workers who are heads of households. It is for this reason that this study sought to explore challenges related to the work of female sex workers and the extent of those challenges linked to the breadwinner role. This study unravelled the strategies adopted by female sex workers to ensure not only their own survival, but the subsequent survival of the family as well. This study utilised the qualitative research approach, and the case study design. Purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling technique was used. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten (10) participants and an interview guide was developed to guide the interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and data emanating from the interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. It is hoped that the study will contribute to social workers’ critical understanding of challenges faced by female sex workers who are breadwinners when developing practice interventions. The study further hopes to contribute to current debates on sex work decriminalisation, as well as studies on the livelihoods of female sex workers who are heads of households.
Key Words: Female sex workers, challenges, survival strategies, heads of households.
Description
The Department of Social Work
School of Human and Community Development
Faculty of Humanities
University of the Witwatersrand
In partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree Bachelor of Social Work