Abstract
This qualitative research seeks the understanding of the role of religion in the lives of sex workers in Thailand. It is based on interviews conducted among sex workers working in karaoke bars in Bangkok. Findings show that most sex workers experience different levels of life difficulty. The level of life difficulty also affects the experience of internal conflicts regarding sex and morality. Finally religion has been used as a form of ritual purification in dealing with internal sense of conflicts.
Highlights
Sexual practices beyond matrimonial boundaries are often considered immoral and prohibitive especially within the realm of religion
Since religion and spirituality are believed to be an important part of who we are as human beings, the question emerges as to what role religion plays in helping sex workers negotiate between sexuality and morality
When considering the role of religion among sex workers, there seem to be two important variables according to these 12 participants that determine the level of engagement in religious practices: the experience of moral conflict and the level of difficulty
Summary
Sexual practices beyond matrimonial boundaries are often considered immoral and prohibitive especially within the realm of religion. The religious inclination toward detachment from sexual gratification in itself expresses a general tendency to see non-marital sexual practices as non-normative and sever the possibility of perceiving any connection between religiosity and sex work. Since religion and spirituality are believed to be an important part of who we are as human beings, the question emerges as to what role religion plays in helping sex workers negotiate between sexuality and morality. This study seeks qualitative data in an effort to understand the role of religion among sex workers working in Karaoke Bars in Bangkok, Thailand. There are not many studies on the topic of religion and prostitution.
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