Dangerous Love: Sex Work, Drug Use, and the Pursuit of Intimacy in Tijuana, Mexico

Dangerous Love is a book that challenges stereotypes and explores the complex relationships between female sex workers and their noncommercial male partners. It centers a framework of love to rethink these relationships as commitments to collective solidarity and survival in contexts of oppression. Combining epidemiological research and ethnographic fieldwork in Tijuana, Mexico, the book examines how individuals find love and meaning in lives marked by structural violence, social marginalization, drug addiction, and HIV/AIDS. It argues that intimate relationships can become dangerous safe havens that fundamentally shape both partners' well-being and highlights the socially transformative power of love to create new pathways to health equity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Introduction:
The relationships between female sex workers (FSWs) and their noncommercial male partners are often assumed to be coercive and anchored in risk, dismissed as "pimp-prostitute" arrangements by researchers and the general public alike. Yet, these stereotypes unjustly erase the complexity of lives we imagine to be consumed by social suffering. Dangerous Love centers a framework of love to rethink sex workers' intimate relationships as commitments to collective solidarity and survival in contexts of oppression. Combining epidemiological research and ethnographic fieldwork in Tijuana, Mexico, Jennifer Leigh Syvertsen examines how individuals try to find love and meaning in lives marked by structural violence, social marginalization, drug addiction, and HIV/AIDS. Linking the political economy of inequalities along the border with emotional lived experience, this book explores how intimate relationships become dangerous safe havens that fundamentally shape both partners' well-being. Through these stories, we are urged to reimagine the socially transformative power of love to carve new pathways to health equity.

The Complexity of Lives:
The lives of FSWs are often portrayed as tragic and filled with social suffering. However, Dangerous Love challenges these stereotypes by highlighting the complexity and resilience of these individuals. FSWs are not passive victims but active agents who have chosen this profession for various reasons, including economic necessity, a desire for independence, or a personal interest in sex work. These women face numerous challenges, including discrimination, violence, and health risks, yet they continue to survive and thrive in their communities.

Dangerous Love as a Framework of Love:
Dangerous Love centers a framework of love to rethink sex workers' intimate relationships as commitments to collective solidarity and survival in contexts of oppression. By focusing on love, the book challenges the dominant narratives that portray FSWs as victims or objects of pity. Instead, it recognizes that these relationships are complex and multifaceted, shaped by a range of factors, including power dynamics, social norms, and personal desires. Through ethnographic fieldwork, Syvertsen examines how individuals try to find love and meaning in lives marked by structural violence, social marginalization, drug addiction, and HIV/AIDS.

Intimate Relationships as Safe Havens:
Intimate relationships become dangerous safe havens for FSWs in contexts of oppression. These relationships provide a sense of emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere. However, these relationships can also be risky, as they are often tied to the sex industry and can expose FSWs to violence and health risks. Syvertsen explores how individuals navigate these risks and find ways to protect themselves and their partners from harm.

The Political Economy of Inequalities:
Dangerous Love also links the political economy of inequalities along the border with emotional lived experience. The book highlights how the economic and social disparities between Mexico and the United States contribute to the marginalization and oppression of FSWs. By examining the ways in which these inequalities shape individuals' lives and relationships, the book sheds light on the broader social and political implications of sex work.

Reimagining the Social Transformative Power of Love:
Through the stories of FSWs and their noncommercial male partners, Dangerous Love urges us to reimagine the socially transformative power of love. The book shows how love can be a source of strength, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. It demonstrates how intimate relationships can become powerful tools for social change, as they can challenge dominant narratives, promote collective solidarity, and advocate for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dangerous Love offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the relationships between FSWs and their noncommercial male partners. By centering a framework of love, the book challenges the dominant narratives that portray these relationships as coercive and risky. Instead, it recognizes the complexity and resilience of these individuals and their intimate relationships as safe havens that fundamentally shape their well-being. Through ethnographic fieldwork and a critical analysis of the political economy of inequalities, the book sheds light on the broader social and political implications of sex work. By reimagining the social transformative power of love, Dangerous Love offers a new vision for health equity and social justice in contexts of oppression.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520384392