A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Female Sex Workers in a Bangladesh Brothel.

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of female sex workers in the Kandapara Brothel in Tangail to build a better understanding of their lived perspective.

Design: This qualitative study was based on the philosophical underpinnings of Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological philosophy.

Methods: A purposive, convenience sample of 24 participants (N = 24) was recruited in the brothel, sufficient for data saturation. The inclusion criteria included (a) must work in the brothel and (b) must be ≥ 18 years old. In-depth interviews were conducted, and transcript data were reduced, managed and coded.

Ethics: The university institutional review board and ethics committee approved the study, and participants provided written informed consent.

Findings: A qualitative analysis of transcribed in-depth interviews revealed four major themes: (1) Early Trauma and Dysregulation, which reflects the trauma experienced by the women working in the brothel and being trafficked at a very early age; (2) Internal life describes the emotional experience and gratitude; the feelings of the sex workers in the brothel, (3) External life reflects the view of the greater Bangladeshi society of the sex workers and (4) The Brothel Life examines the relationships, competition, isolation, health concerns and workers' desire/uncertainty to leave the brothel. The four themes, while appearing separate, overlap with the other themes.

Conclusions: This phenomenological study illustrates the complexity of brothel workers' lived experiences. Understanding sex workers' lived experiences through a caring lens promotes care that allows for self-determination, reflection, growth, acceptance and, most of all, healing.