Sex Work, Labour, and Empowerment: Lessons from the Informal Entertainment Sector in Nepal

This book explores the concepts of female empowerment and resilience against violence in the informal entertainment and sex industries,using positive deviancy theory to address the wider issues of migration,HIV/AIDS,and violence against women and girls. It conceptualises the theories of empowerment and power and conducts in-depth interviews with women working in the industry and academics,activists,and personnel in the NGO and donor sector.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of female empowerment and resilience against violence within the informal entertainment and sex industries. By shifting the focus away from the traditional debates dominated by the oppressive and empowerment paradigms, it explores a wide range of micro issues, including the impact of income on the lives of sex workers, the significance of peer organizations and networks of women, and the mechanisms through which resilience is enacted and empowerment experienced. Moreover, the book employs positive deviancy theory as a powerful tool to advocate for significant changes in terms of empowerment and agency for women working in this sector, as well as addressing the broader challenges of migration, HIV/AIDS, and violence against women and girls.

The central objective of this book is to move beyond a victimization framework while acknowledging the profound extent of violence that women in this industry endure. It conceptualizes empowerment and power theories that have yet to be tested in the context of women's experiences in the informal entertainment and sex industries, complemented by in-depth interviews with women working in the industry, academics, activists, and personnel from the NGO and donor sector. Through this rich data collection, the book provides valuable insights into the numerous social, political, and economic factors that shape and sustain the global growth of the industry. It also analyzes the diverse factors that drive thousands of women and girls around the world to engage in this work.

In addition to its academic value, this book offers significant implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of human rights, sociology, economics, and development studies. It sheds light on the complex interplay between citizenship, rights, and the informal entertainment and sex industries, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women in these sectors. By challenging prevailing narratives and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the experiences of women in the industry, this book contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality, social justice, and human rights.

Overall, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of female empowerment and resilience against violence in the informal entertainment and sex industries. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the complex factors that shape women's lives and work in these sectors, providing valuable insights into the need for transformative policies and practices to promote gender equality and human rights.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367742546