Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 150-162)

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 53-56).

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-131).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Melbourne, Dept. of Criminology, 2002. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-131).

D. Litt. et Phil. / Sex work is a phenomenon that has been studied and debated with much fascination and controversy. It is influenced by many of the legal and social structures in society, often with little regard for the sex workers themselves. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of sex workers in the context of post-apartheid South Africa, using phenomenological methodology. The trans-historical and trans-cultural nature of sex work has led to the creation and application of several theoretical frameworks that attempt to explain and further understand the sex work phenomenon. These theoretical frameworks include Functionalist theory (Jarvinen, 1993; Wojcicki, 2003), Social Interactionist theory (Jarvinen, 1993) and Classification theory (Self & Burke, 2001), and the critical debate from the Feminist movement (O’Neill, 2001). Recently, more holistic theories have been used to study sex work including Systems theory and Family Systems theory (Dalla, 2006). Various other critical theories have also been applied to sex work (Carpenter, 2000; O’Neill, 2001; Weitzer, 2005). Along with theoretical frameworks, several significant themes have emerged in the literature that may contribute toward understanding and explaining women’s entry into, and decision to remain in, the sex work industry. These themes include victimisation in childhood (Dalla, 2006), physical and emotional abandonment by caregivers, poverty (Bucardo, Semple, Frage-Vellejo, Davila & Patterson 2004; Vanwesenbeek, 1994, 2001), substance abuse (Dalla, 2006; Vanwesenbeek, 1994) and attachment behaviour (Slater, 2007; Wilson, 2001). Other themes are significant in understanding women’s experiences of sex work including the practical, social and psychological motivation for male clients to seek out prostitutes. These themes also address issues of violence and victimisation (Anderson & Anderson, 2008; Grenz, 2005; O’Connell Davidson, 2003; Vanwesenbeek, 1994).

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning and Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

In 1984 the State Parliament of Victoria began the process of legalising sectors of the Victorian sex industry. Reforming legislation was enacted in 1984, 1986 and 1994. To date there has been no research assessing the changes to the industry that have occurred as a result of the legalisation process, and in particular, the effect it has had on the lives of the women working in the industry. / This research has examined the impact of sex industry law reform on the working and private lives of women in the Victorian sex industry. Interviews were conducted with twenty women, nine of whom had worked in the industry prior to legalisation. All but four of the interviewees had experienced work in the industry before and after reforms. / A number of significant findings were made. Since legalisation brothels have become cleaner and physical surroundings have been improved. However, the owners and managers of industry businesses have increased their level of control over workers by determining services to be offered, fees to be charged and clothes to be worn.

Thesis (LL.M.)--University of Melbourne, 2001. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Master's Programme in East and Southeast Asian Studies)--Lund University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-53). Also available via the World Wide Web.

published_or_final_version / Geography / Master / Master of Arts in China Development Studies