Experiencing stigma as sex work researchers in professional and personal lives

Hammond, Natalie and Kingston, Sarah orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-9226-1915 (2014) Experiencing stigma as sex work researchers in professional and personal lives. Sexualities, 17 (3). pp. 329-347. ISSN 1363-4607

[thumbnail of Author Accepted Manuscript]
Preview
PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript) - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

231kB

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1363460713516333

Abstract

Researchers have demonstrated the challenges associated with sex work research; negotiating the stigma attached to its subject matter, the perceived dangerousness of participants, and the barriers faced in reaching hidden populations. By reflecting upon our separate research experiences and drawing upon a body of reflexive sex work research, this article explores how, as sex work researchers, we experienced stigma not only in our professional roles as researchers, but also in our personal lives. We apply Goffman's (1968) notion of stigma by association; and consider how stigma often associated with prostitution became transposed onto us. In particular, we compare and contrast our separate experiences of conducting sex work research to demonstrate our similar experiences of stigma by association.


Repository Staff Only: item control page