Is social exclusion pushing the Pakistani Hijras (Transgenders) towards commercial sex work? a qualitative study
| Autor: | Nargis Yousaf Sattar, Bilal Kamal, Zahra Fatima Hassan, Anum Shafqat, Zeeshan Basharat, Asghar Dil Jan, Muhammad Ahmed Abdullah |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Předmět: |
Social exclusion
business.industry lcsh:Public aspects of medicine Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Poison control lcsh:RA1-1270 Hijras Gender studies Commercial sex work HIV and Pakistan Public relations Social issues Focus group Social group Transgender Sociology Gender role business Research Article Sex work |
| Zdroj: | BMC International Health and Human Rights BMC International Health and Human Rights, Vol 12, Iss 1, p 32 (2012) |
| ISSN: | 1472-698X |
| DOI: | 10.1186/1472-698x-12-32 |
| Popis: | Background The Hijra is a distinct type of gender role in South Asia where men act like women. This group of people is socially excluded by the general community, in terms of attainment of an opportunity for a socially productive life. Often this sort of deprivation forces these individuals towards professions like sex trade, in pursuit of sustenance, which as a consequence places them as a key block in the puzzle of an impending generalized HIV epidemic in Pakistan. Methods This study is a qualitative study, which involved 8 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions, conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Pakistan) from February to April 2012. The data was audio taped and transcribed. Key themes were identified and built upon. The respondents were contacted through a gate keeper Hijra who was a member of the hijra community. Multiple interview sessions were conducted with each respondent. Results Two key categories of the Hijras were identified as Khusrapan and Zananapan, during the in-depth interview sessions. This initial information paved way for the four focus group discussions. The data was presented using key themes which were identified. The study participants explained their life histories to us which made it obvious that they had been socially excluded at many stages of their lives from performing normal social functions. This lack of occupational and educational opportunities pushed them towards entering the risky business of selling sex. Conclusion The transgender community is socially excluded by the Pakistani society which is leading them to indulge in commercial sex and putting their lives at risk. Prudent measures are needed to form community based organizations managed and led by hijra community and addressing their social exclusion and risky behaviors. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|