Insecurity and coping strategies of female sex workers in Japan | |
| Author | Kaneda, Harune |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-24-09 |
| Subject(s) | Sex workers--Japan Sex workers--Social aspects--Japan |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This paper seeks to offer detailed insight into complicated realities of female sex workers (FSWs) with respect to working conditions, insecurities, coping mechanisms, and the current policy implications on the security and well-being of FSWs in Japan. Even in the absence of official recognition, FSWs in Japan are in insecure environments characterized by financial instability, personal safety risks, and social stigma. The qualitative research methods entailed both key informants’ interviews (KII) and in-depth interviews (IDI) to elicit views from categories of FSWs, stakeholders such as a NGO representative, and attorney. The results show that most of the FSWs devise coping strategies in terms of support networks and safety actions to save themselves from potential threats. This study explores how, in an effort to further protect and assist FSWs, the Anti-Prostitution Law was revised in 2023. Some of the stakeholders are optimistic that this law is going to bring positive outcomes, while others have qualms that its impact would depend on the actual delivery and proper coordination between different government agencies and NGOs working in this sector. The paper concludes with the policy recommendations, that underscore the need for: improved coordination between governmental and non-governmental organizations; decreased stigma and increased diversity in support; and increased resources and staffing for support services. It contributes, with emphasis on the voices and experiences of FSWs, to an increased understanding of their lived realities and serves as a foundation for future policy development in the striving toward security and livelihoods within the complex socio-legal landscape of Japan. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Doneys, Philippe |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Chatterjee, Joyee S. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |