Women, migration and prostitution in Thailand
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9972928 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Martha Mensendiek (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1997 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 163-176 |
| Publication date | 1997-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0020-8728 • E-ISSN: 1461-7234 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/002087289704000204 |
| OpenAlex | W2160164953 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 6 |
This article offers explanations for Thai womens migration from rural to urban areas and entry into prostitution that expose environmental and development problems in Thailand. The discussion illustrates how development negatively impacts on women in Thailand and more generally on women in developing countries. Thai family structure is matrilocal and matrilineal. Authority belongs to senior men and is transmitted through the female line. The traditional division of labor exists but the designation of mens and womens work is flexible. Women have the traditional obligation of taking care of aging parents and younger siblings. Womens migration in search of work explains female migration to urban areas and prostitution as a means of survival and source of remittance back home. The Buddhist religious belief in merit-making contributes to prostitution by allowing for the remittances as a means of merit-making to compensate for the demeaning act of prostitution. Indian and Chinese influences shifted the status of women toward one valued as decorative status symbols rather than productive workers. Contact with aristocratic cultures also reinforced the view that it was acceptable for the rich to take many consorts. Womens new status markers are education and wealth. For the poor prostitution may be the only way to achieve status. Thai culture widely accepts that men need sex. Economic prosperity in Thailand has resulted in unequal income distribution land speculation loss of farm land resettlement of hill tribes and marginalization of women. The government emphasizes industrial development and tourism. Agricultural inputs in training credit and access favors men. Agriculture declined due to environmental deterioration. Reforestation campaigns have exacerbated ecological problems. Tourism supports the sex trade. Development must consider alternatives for female employment
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| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,31 |
| Citation span | 2000 - 2026 (27) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |