Conflicting Identities Between Sex Work and Motherhood: Challenges for Sex Workers and Their Children

Sex work is arguably considered one of the most marginalised occupations. Sex workers are discriminated against as the cheapest people, and mostly they are degraded and isolated by society. The main objective of this study is to explore the socio-psychological condition of sex workers, how they manage the dual identities as working women and mothers, and the impacts of their work on their children. The study is qualitative and explorative in nature and used a thematic approach to explore the objectives based on 10 respondents who were mothers. Research findings were placed from the analysis, with 3 main themes and 12 sub-themes; most of the findings were related to the socio-psychological condition of sex workers and the challenges faced when they played dual identities. Given the difficulties that they encounter as mothers and sex workers, widespread services include those for unfavourable living conditions, community conflict, abuse from the madams, past experiences of facing sexual violence and exploitation of children, health, education of children, social collaboration, obstacles, and pressure of family maintenance. This research suggested that the governmental and non-governmental authority should pay more attention to ensure the fundamental rights of sex workers.