Life for sex workers in Ireland under the Swedish model of client criminalisation

Authors

Berry, Adeline

Issue Date

2020

Degree

BA (Hons) in Psychology

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.

Abstract

Introduction: In 2017 the Republic of Ireland implemented client criminalisation. This study seeks to explore the ways in which sex workers understand their experiences of working under the Swedish model and other Irish laws pertaining to sex work, as the effects of any of these laws cannot be studied in isolation from each other. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 sex workers from diverse backgrounds, ages 24-44, actively working in Ireland since 2017. Interviews were recorded and painstakingly transcribed. Transcriptions were used to conduct an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes that emerged from this study: Law, mental health and relationships. Subthemes that emerged from this study: Policing, accommodation, clients, stigma, sense of self, isolation, living a double life and community. Conclusion: Current laws are not fit for purpose. Full decriminalisation would benefit the well-being and mental health of sex workers working in Ireland.

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