Jones, Lisa and Hodge, Suzanne and Eccles, Fiona (2015) An exploration of coping in sex work. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.
Abstract
This thesis is an exploration of the coping strategies used by women involved in sex work, to manage the different risks inherent in the field. The literature review considers the ways in which women seek to manage a stigmatised identity in order to promote their own psychological wellbeing. The research paper explores the reasons women remain in street based sex work, and, using grounded theory, seeks to understand how psychological and social factors work to both promote resilience and maintain involvement. Finally, the critical appraisal reflects on the methodological approaches necessary to conduct a research project with street-based sex workers, and explores the management of risk in this context.