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Migration, Sex Work, and Stigma: An Analysis in Biographical Code

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Memory, Subjectivities, and Representation

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Oral History ((PSOH))

Abstract

In Spain, researchers estimate that 80 percent of women who practice prostitution are immigrants1 and that a significant number of them are in the country illegally, having turned to sex work as a means of subsistence (Solana 2007: 40–43). Moreover, sex work is not regulated in Spain,2 which means that sex workers are not guaranteed access to basic social services.3 Consequently, in addition to their vulnerability, the women suffer from a constant stigma4 that limits and thwarts their personal ambitions and freedom of choice. Nonetheless, sex workers adopt a variety of strategies to get ahead in life. This combination of the social limitations they face and the strategies they use is precisely what makes an analysis of their discourses important.

That wouldn’t change anything, not for me… Because the S [for sex worker] is still marked on my forehead… the S of stigma. (María, Dominican Republic)

My family doesn’t know about my work. How can I say such a thing? It isn’t a profession anyone can know about… I was ashamed and a little afraid, I’d never done this thing before in my life… I don’t want them to find out. This is a shameful thing for me and for them. (Elena, Romania)

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Authors
  1. Ángeles Arjona Garrido
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  2. Juan Carlos Checa Olmos
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  3. Estefanía Acién González
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  4. Francisco Majuelos Martínez
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Editor information

Rina Benmayor María Eugenia Cardenal de la Nuez Pilar Domínguez Prats

Copyright information

© 2016 Ángeles Arjona Garrido, Juan Carlos Checa Olmos, Estefanía Acién González, and Francisco Majuelos Martínez

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Cite this chapter

Garrido, Á.A., Olmos, J.C.C., González, E.A., Martínez, F.M. (2016). Migration, Sex Work, and Stigma: An Analysis in Biographical Code. In: Benmayor, R., de la Nuez, M.E.C., Prats, P.D. (eds) Memory, Subjectivities, and Representation. Palgrave Studies in Oral History. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137438713_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137438713_8

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-349-56646-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-43871-3

  • eBook Packages: HistoryHistory (R0)

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