LA INSERCIÓN LABORAL EN MUJERES QUE EJERCEN LA PROSTITUCIÓN: UN ESTUDIO DESDE LA SALUD MENTAL COMUNITARIA

Abstract

Prostitution is a heterogeneous social reality that falls under the umbrella of globalization and patriarchy. A large number of women emigrate due to economic inequalities and, given the lack of job opportunities in the destination countries, they find themselves immersed in the exercise of prostitution as a survival strategy. This combination of woman, migrant and prostitute leads them to a situation of social exclusion that is aggravated by the stigma associated with prostitution. 

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of job insertion on the lives of women who practice prostitution from the ideal of community mental health. Qualitative phenomenological research was carried out through semi-structured interviews with eight women who practice or have practiced prostitution and who had begun a process of job insertion. The study explored the motivations for starting this process and the impact it had on the different spheres of their lives. Some results were extracted from the content analysis. In general terms, women who began a process of labour insertion have increased their perception of emotional well-being. In addition to the improvements that come with having a work contract with all that this implies, the elimination of double identity has improved the relationship with their closest environment and participation in community life. Carrying out a process of labour insertion with the help of an entity that works from the ideal of community mental health and which they know from their role as prostitutes, was key to considering changing jobs. This research highlights the need to carry out social policies aimed at facilitating access to the labour market in order to offer decent work opportunities to people who migrate.