Creating Trust among the Distrustful: A Phenomenological Examination of Supportive Services for Former Sex Workers |
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Authors: | Kathleen M. Preble |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USAkathleen.murray@mavs.uta.edu |
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Abstract: | A phenomenological exploration was conducted into the lived experiences of 13 voluntary sex workers receiving supportive services in a major city in the southwestern United States. The study explored how participants viewed the services they received after exiting the sex industry, as well as experiences of coercion throughout their lives. Data analysis revealed, unexpectedly, that constructs of trust emerged. Respondents provided insight into how trust is learned throughout their lives and how coercion is often used by those around them to inspire trust before and during life in the sex industry. Participants also articulated how trust can be relearned, replacing coercion, while receiving supportive services after exiting the industry. Results from this study reveal processes by which sex workers learn to trust others by connecting through common experiences shared with other sex workers, modeling staff demonstrations of trust with other staff and clients, and being held accountable by others to their desires. The author offers implications for future research and practice areas. |
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Keywords: | prostitution qualitative rapport social services |
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