Prostitution and Beyond: An Analysis of Sex Workers in India

by Rohini Sahni (Editor), V. Kalyan Shankar (Editor), Hemant Apte (Editor)

What is the diversity of perspectives on sex work in India today? This edited volume addresses this question through its sections on feminist discourse, ethnographic studies, socio-economic-legal-health frameworks and cultural reflections.

The first section explores the space for women in prostitution within mainstream feminist discourse in India, and the way it has evolved over time. The second section emphasizes on the heterogeneity of sex work practices with their historical vestiges, contemporary manifestations and urban-rural contrasts. The third section examines the interface of society and prostitution, tracing economic and social undercurrents, health concerns and legal regulations. The final section focuses on the bearings of prostitution on the cultural spheres of literature, language, cinema, theatre and media.

In addition to rigorous academic research, this volume also pools in case studies, live discussions and interviews, drawing the experience of a wide spectrum of professionals and organizations working with sex workers.

This book is a must-read for professionals and academicians in the fields of Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health and Social Work.

372 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied and in depth discussion of prostitution and sex work in India and the different cultural, religious and colonial reasons for keeping prostitution and stigmatising sex workers.

(When it does discuss hirja it does class hirja as male despite acknowledging their degendering & often transgender experiences)

Some essays are quite liberal feminist but well intentioned & do more material good for sex workers than harm by their rhetoric.

[Radhika · Rating 4 out of 5]

brilliant.