Prostitution and Beyond: An Analysis of Sex Workers in India

Book info: Prostitution and Beyond: An Analysis of Sex Workers in India (Paperback, 372 pages) – SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd, 2008. Language: English.

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. Editorial Reviews Review

The book is an extremely significant contribution to the existing body of literature on sexuality that provides useful theoretical perspectives accompanied by impressive empirical detail. The evocative textual and visual accounts along with the starkly graphic facts presented through the selection of case studies, commentaries and interviews reveal nuanced distinctions that are lost in conventional analytical framework or absent from tedious statistical analysis.

-- Contributions to Indian Sociology

The broader aim of the book, which it achieves, is to mitigate the negative image of the sex worker perpetuated by a biased media and culture. -- The Dawn

This volume is admirable with a mix of research, literature, discussions, interviews, case studies, examples and illustrations. It appears to have lessened the negativity associated with the mention of sex work and seems to be useful for professionals and academicians working on the subject.

-- The Tribune

Healthy’ read.

-- Hindu Business

This book asks valuable questions about the ways in which society positions prostitutes beyond its moral and ethical boundaries, simultaneously as sex-work reflects society’s socio-cultural reality. -- Mail Today

This book] will take the reader beyond the clichéd definition of a sex worker.

-- The Indian Express (Pune)

The book is a useful starting point if one wants to get an idea of currently debated issues in field work as well as in theory on prostitution and issues related thereto.

-- Combat Law About the Author

Rohini Sahni is Reader, Department of Economics, University of Pune. As a specialist in development economics and international economics, she has been exploring the role of gender in the process of development. Her interest in research on sex work has stemmed from her close interaction with women’s groups/organizations and research on sex workers in Pune. Presently, her research interests include problems of Indian higher education and economic-cultural interactions as emerging from globalization. Beyond research, she is an established writer of short stories (in Marathi), sketching the contemporary urban lives of women.

V Kalyan Shankar is currently a Doctoral student at the Department of Economics, University of Pune, working in the area of international trade and development, WTO agreements and its impact on developing countries including India. He hails from a family of social reformers, scholars and poets in Andhra Pradesh. This background has profoundly influenced his concerns and sensibilities, leading him to work on issues of social concern.

Hemant Apte is Reader, Department of Anthropology, University of Pune. He is the President of Late Professor Yamato Kawakami Foundation, an NGO working for women and the Vice President of Maharashtra Association for Anthropological Sciences. He has 13 years of experience as a researcher, consultant, trainer and teacher in sexuality, reproductive health and research methodology. His current interest is in the fi elds of reproductive health, HIV, sexuality and participatory research methodology.