Identifying the Motivations Underlying Sex Work: Insights from the Experiences of Female Sex Workers in Iran

Cultural, moral, and Sharia-based concerns and taboos have limited the depth of exploration in sex work analysis within traditional and religious societies. While studies have highlighted challenges faced by sex workers, research on their underlying motivations remains scarce, hindering our understanding of their experiences and reasons for involvement in the profession. This paper aims to illuminate Iranian female sex workers’ motivations for engaging in sex work despite legal and social restrictions.

A qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenological strategy are used. The primary data collection method involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 37 female sex workers in 2022 and 2023. The interviewees were selected by purposive sampling. Subsequent analyses are performed using Colaizzi’s method, and evaluations are based on Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.

This study identifies two categories of factors contributing to the engagement of women in sex work: imposed and selective reasons. Imposed causes include financial, social, familial, and psychological considerations, while selective motivations incorporate diverse sexual experiences, earning money easily, and the impact of social connections.

The findings from the interviews reveal that economic factors alone do not account for women’s involvement in sex work, as half of the participants reported satisfactory social and financial conditions. The paramount motivators for opting for sex work are family and the challenges stemming from family breakdown, rejection, and the absence of familial support.

Our research highlights the imperative for sex workers and their families to access psychological and social assistance. This matter holds significant relevance in the context of Iran’s religious and traditional society, where extramarital sex is prohibited. The involvement of social workers, serving as facilitators within the societal framework, proves instrumental in delivering essential psychological and social support to sex workers.