1. Can you share your journey into sex work, highlighting the personal, social, or economic factors that influenced your decision to engage in this profession? How have these factors evolved over time?
2. In navigating the challenges of sex work, what role do societal perceptions and legal frameworks play in shaping your working conditions and decision-making processes? Can you provide specific examples of instances where these external factors have impacted your experience?
3. Experiences of stigma or discrimination can be varied. Could you elaborate on specific situations where you felt stigmatized or discriminated against? How do you cope with these challenges, and have your coping mechanisms evolved over the course of your engagement in sex work?
4. The integration of technology has significantly impacted the sex work industry. How has the use of online platforms or technology influenced your approach to sex work? Can you share both positive and negative aspects of this influence on your experiences?
5. Balancing ethical considerations in sex work, such as personal well-being and societal expectations, can be complex. Could you provide insights into how you navigate these ethical challenges? How do you prioritize your own well-being while contending with societal norms or expectations?
Rationale for Question Selection and Order:
I chose these questions to ensure a comprehensive exploration of sex workers’ experiences, covering motivations, external influences, challenges faced, coping mechanisms, and the impact of technology. The order is designed to start with open-ended inquiries with an additional thought to use as a follow up question, fostering a more natural flow during the interview. This is also to help bring out more nuanced responses if the first question should be elaborated on.
Sample Size and Population:
The sample size will include a diverse group of sex workers from both in-person and online contexts in India. I chose this population as McCloskey et al. (2021) highlight challenges faced by sex-working mothers in Mumbai; however, the literature lacks distinction, perpetuating unheard voices within sex work subsets. I would aim to interview approximately 20 individuals to ensure a rich and varied dataset. The population includes individuals who have engaged in sex work for different durations, promoting a broader understanding of their experiences.
Duration of Administration:
I plan to administer the interview questions over a three-month period to allow for a thorough exploration of the diverse experiences within the sex work community. Non-brothel-based and online settings provide some sex workers with safety advantages, while online sex work poses new challenges and dangers for others (Azhar et al., 2020; Prakash & Malik, 2022). This duration provides ample time for recruitment, interviews, and data analysis while respecting the sensitivity of the topic.
Measuring Data:
To measure the obtained data, I will employ qualitative analysis methods. Thematic analysis will be applied to identify recurring themes and patterns in participants’ responses. Coding will help categorize and interpret the qualitative data, allowing for the extraction of meaningful insights (Merriam, 2016). Employing a systematic approach allows for categorization that provides themes for analysis (Merriam, 2016).
Reference:
Azhar, S., Dasgupta, S., Sinha, S., & Karandikar, S. (2020). Diversity in Sex Work in India: Challenging Stereotypes Regarding Sex Workers. Sexuality & Culture, 24(6), 1774–1797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-020-09719-3Links to an external site.
McCloskey, R. J., Karandikar, S., Reno, R., & España, M. (2021). The feminist ethic of care: Mothering among sex workers in Mumbai. Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work, 36(1), 43–61. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0886109920939053Links to an external site.
Merriam, S. B. (2016). Qualitative research : a guide to design and implementation (E. J. Tisdell (Ed.); Fourth edition.). Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Brand.
Prakash, P., & Malik, N. S. (2022). The Upswing of Online Sex Work in Indian Society. Special Education, 1(43), 8099–8107.