“Broken homes and violent streets”: are there common factors which predispose girls and young women to become street sex workers?

Abstract

Purpose – Street-based sex workers in the London Borough of Hackney have high levels of physical and mental ill-health, antisocial behaviour and substance misuse. This study interviewed sex workers at a local drop-in, in an attempt to understand the women’s family, social and educational backgrounds, and whether there were common factors that contributed to them becoming sex workers. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 17 street sex workers were interviewed using semi-structured questions. The transcripts were examined methodologically using a conceptual content analysis approach in order to identify dominant themes. Findings – The women had very similar narratives of early physical and sexual abuse, negative parenting, poor impulse control and low levels of educational attainment, suggestive of conduct disorder, the aetiology of which involves an interaction of genetic, familial and social factors. Research suggests that multi-factorial early intervention to promote social and environmental development can significantly improve a child’s life chances and opportunities. Research limitations/implications – This study involved a very small number of women from a very defined inner-city area. Nearly all the women were UK born and local, and thus would have been through the local schools, social services and care system. These factors mean that it is not possible to generalise findings to a whole population. Originality/value – This study was the first piece of qualitative work carried out in the confidential drop-in setting used by this hard to reach group of women. Their narratives are valuable in terms of their impact, and that there were so many common themes, especially in relation to their early life experiences.