Experiencing stigma as sex work researchers in professional and personal lives

Abstract

Researchers have demonstrated the challenges associated with sex work research; negotiating the stigma attached to its subject matter, the perceived dangerousness of participants, and the barriers faced in reaching hidden populations. By reflecting upon our separate research experiences and drawing upon a body of reflexive sex work research, this article explores how, as sex work researchers, we experienced stigma not only in our professional roles as researchers, but also in our personal lives. We apply Goffman’s (1968) notion of stigma by association; and consider how stigma often associated with prostitution became transposed onto us. In particular, we compare and contrast our separate experiences of conducting sex work research to demonstrate our similar experiences of stigma by association.

Men Who Pay for Sex and the Sex Work Movement? Client Responses to Stigma and Increased Regulation of Commercial Sex Policy

“…Those involved in the sex industry are constructed as different to others (see Hammond and Kingston, 2014) and are stigmatised (see Goffman, 1968: 13-14). Sex workers suffer disproportionate violence and discrimination and have been the most affected by adverse legislation or poor and unethical research; unsurprisingly they have led the Sex Work Movement (Ditmore, 2010).…”

International comparative explorations of prostitution policies: lessons from two European projects

“…The lack of crossnational comparable data, for example, was evident. The reasons for this limitation in the field are plenty, as mentioned earlier and as the workshop emphasized this also results from different empirical research traditions and opportunities across countries in many of which prostitution is a stigmatized topic to research and scholars are discouraged from focusing on it (see also Hammond and Kingston 2014). The lack of institutionalized and funded platforms for exchange of research findings and theoretical development, coupled with the ideological fencing-off between countries with different regulatory approaches , urged the workshop participants to develop further collaboration and investigation of these issues amongst European researchers.…”

Sex Workers Who Provide Services to Clients with Disability in New South Wales, Australia

“…While revered in some ancient cultures as temple or sacred prostitutes (Califia, 2002) sex workers are commonly tarnished in a perpetual cloud of stigma, discrimination and perceived deviancy. Judgements are also often extended towards their clients and third parties who assist in the operations of running some businesses (such as brothel owners, receptionists, drivers, security personnel and even cleaners) as well as some academics who choose to research this topic (Hammond & Kingston, 2014).…”