Seks İşçisi Kadın Olmak: Baskı Karşıtı Feminist Sosyal Hizmet Açısından Bir Değerlendirme

Abstract

Sex work, often considered one of the oldest professions, is deeply connected to structural inequalities and remains a contentious issue in human rights and societal debates. Despite ongoing discussions, sex workers frequently face violations, mistreatment, and systemic oppression. This study explores the work and life experiences of female sex workers and their interactions with social services, framed within feminist and anti-oppressive social work, to advocate for their rights. This qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 25 female sex workers. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA and thematic analysis, with findings reported according to COREQ criteria. The results are categorized into three sections: work experiences, life experiences, and anti-oppressive feminist responses. Findings reveal that many women are driven into sex work due to structural inequalities, especially gender-based discrimination. Within the profession, they face precarious working conditions, dehumanization, and violence, compounded by stigma and systemic barriers that make exiting sex work challenging. Often, even those who try to leave are forced to return. In their personal lives, sex workers face limited social support and significant societal pressures stemming from gender norms and the stigma of their work. Many experiences internal conflicts, particularly around the perception of their income as “dirty.” Additionally, most sex workers are unaware of available social services, typically accessing them only during extreme poverty or child protection cases. However, participants expressed strong needs for policies related to childcare, economic aid, safety, and sexual and reproductive health. The study recommends adopting liberatory social work approaches to transform oppressive structures. Empowering practices and the active participation of sex workers in designing and implementing services are crucial to addressing their needs and ensuring equitable empowerment.