Gender and Sexual Studies - Essay Example

Module Gender and Sexual Studies Similarities between Sex Work and Domestic Work. People tend to think that domestic work and sex work are different. There are some major differences and similarities between the two. Though the people working in these professions have different places of work, they indeed have various similarities. First, the two groups of people are faced with similar challenges including identity issues, poor working conditions, legitimacy and disrespect of their human rights (Kempadoo 21). Secondly, both professions do not guarantee them a constant source of income like in other lines of work (Kempadoo 3). Thirdly, racism and ethnic background are important aspects governing the professions (Kempadoo 10). Sex workers and domestic workers move from their native countries in search of better economic activity (Kempadoo and Mahdavi). In other words, sex work and domestic work are used to generate income that is aimed at the family’s welfare and survival (Kempadoo 4). Fourthly, some of the participants in the professions are victims of human trafficking and are often mistreated and beaten in carrying out their duties (Mahdavi 63). Fifthly, a considerable number of those who were interviewed detest their work and practice it as they lack a better option (Mahdavi 77). Finally, most of the participants are young women from countries with poor economic conditions resulting from globalization (Mahdavi 63). Misperceptions about These Careers. Most professions in the world have prevalent misconceptions which spread across the globe. The first misconception about domestic work and sex work is that people tend to think that all the partakers of the profession were forced, therefore conclude that all transnational workers were trafficked and recruited into the professions against their will (Mahdavi 62). Most certainly, there are those who are victims of this crime, but on the contrary there are those who willingly engage in these jobs. The second misperception views sex work and domestic work as an identity rather than sources of income (Mahdavi 63). This notion has impeded the recognition of sex work and domestic work as labor thereby prevents probable protections that can strengthen labor laws relating to the professions (Mahdavi 63). Last but not least, there is a worldwide misconception that ending trafficking is relying on the demand for sex (Mahdavi 63). This is wrong since it assumes that trafficking is synonymous to sex work and domestic work (Mahdavi 63). Reasons for Heightened Vulnerability in this Profession. Consequentially, sex workers and domestic workers are prone to abuse from their employers, family members and other people in the environment. Some cases have been reported however, most of them are not reported to the relevant authorities. There are various reasons to resulting to this. On one, side, sex workers work in a male dominated world, and they are often mistreated and viewed as objects of pleasure (Mahdavi 63). Both professions lack legitimacy and recognition thus increasing vulnerability of the workers (Kempadoo 3). The society has tainted the profession and do not accord the much needed respect. These workers work in a poor working environment, face identity issues in society and suffer from human rights abuse (Mahdavi 3). These women migrate from their home countries in order to stay away from economic problems and opt to go through hardships so long as they can generate income (Mahdavi 76). Additionally, sex workers and domestic workers are prone to abuse since people tend to think they are in a desperate situation. Since they are in a desperate situation, they have to accept all manner of abuse from the people they interact with. These two industries are marred by high levels of racism and ethnicity hence workers from some parts of the world are prone to discrimination (Mahdavi 81). There are no clear policies with regards to domestic work and sex work. As a result, the perpetrators will continue abusing sex and domestic workers whenever they want since they know the law will not likely catch up with them. Finally, they both attract young girls from poor countries who can be easily manipulated and coerced to do things against their will (Kempadoo 7). Re- conceptualization of Sex Work. There is a need to re-conceptualize sex work to improve the situation. Based on previous research into the topic, harsh trafficking and prostitution rules will only make matters worse. Understanding trafficking and its challenges are the first step towards helping women who are trapped in this trade. Redefining global sex as labor is imperative in implementing labor laws that protect women in transnational sex trade from abuse (Mahdavi 90). Future policies should concentrate on the political and economic structures that are causing women to migrate instead of focusing on the morality of the issue (Mahdavi 90).Though most women engage in commercial sex willing, it is important to note that there are those who have been forced to participate in it. Policies should take these cases into account. Women Silencing Their Voice in Times of Conflict. In times conflict, there is tension between the involved parties. In most cases, women are silenced and sidelined from decisions concerning war. It has been observed that women have been continually oppressed during revolutions (Helie- Lucas 107). Furthermore, no nation in history has ever given women equal rights and resources with their male counterparts (Mcclintock, Mufti and Shohat 589). Over the years, women have been denied involvement in matters of national importance (Mcclintock, Mufti and Shohat 590). This has negatively affected the female gender as they do not make decisions in such instances. As such, they are sidelined, and their interests are jeopardized. Looking back, it is found that women were limited by traditions while men embraced modernity (Helie- Lucas 109). Most of the credit is given to the people that were instrumental in solving the situation. As such, the male gender receives all the credit and honor in solving a situation. This affects the world in many ways. For example, this will silence the voices of the female gender for a long time as people concentrate on the people that are credited for solving the situation. Even after the conflict, the women will not be heard. This will in the end affect the revolution of the female gender as their interests and concerns are not heard (Mcclintock, Mufti and Shohat 594). In addition to this, the female gender is not involved in conflicts since they are considered to be “weaker” sex. This is a misconception that has been used in many aspects of the world, especially in past revolutions. In times of war, the involved parties apply crude tactics intimidate the enemy thus increasing their chances to win the battle. For example, rape was used as a war strategy in the past. This was an abuse against women and the female gender as they were considered to take the second place in society (Helie- Lucas 107). There were several reasons to the use of rape as a war tactic. First it scared the enemy, the psychological torture resulting from stopped women from taking part in the war (IMDb). The second reason for using rape as a war tactic is that it led to less aggressive resistance (WNET). Women were quite instrumental due wars and helped the men in numerous ways (Helie- Lucas 108). Apparently, in the ancient times, women had tactical tasks during wars. These included supervising hiding places for food, liaising and guiding troops, collecting medicine and food, cooking, washing and nursing (Helie- Lucas 108). This goes ahead to prove the important role played by women during wars. Therefore, eliminating women through war and rape gave the villain a better chance of winning the war. Lastly, women were known to be spies in times of war. Troops would send women to spy on their opponents since women are sly. To avoid this kind of scenario, genocide and rape would be a prudent approach. Renan states that a nation is defined by people collectively working together to achieve a common goal He reaffirms this by stating that people in a nation should strive to do great things in unison and strive to do better things together. This should be the case in the world where people should strive to cement nationality. In many cases, nations that have been working in unison are better placed than nations that work individually. Therefore, when a society is in conflict, there is a need to use nationalism in solving the situation. When many people are unified in finding a solution to a problem, it is most likely that they will reach at a lasting solution to a problem. For example, the South African women fought against regimes that oppressed women rights and participation in matters of national importance. In fact, they managed to integrate the concept of motherhood in nationalism (Mcclintock, Mufti and Shohat 595). The second example of nationalism is depicted in Algeria where women played an active role in nationalism (Helie- Lucas 106). A large number of women were involved in the military and other instrumental places in the nation. As such, they provided collective efforts in the development. This extends Renan’s view of nationalism. Works Cited Helie- Lucas, Marie- Aimee. Women, Nationalism and Religion in the Algerian Liberation Struggle, 1987. Print. Kempadoo, Kamala. Globalizing Sex Workers’ Rights. Kempadoo, Kamala and Mahdavi, Pardis. Film: Sin City Diary (1992) Mahdavi, Pardis. Gridlock: Labor, Migration, and Human Trafficking in Dubai Stanford University Press. 2011. Mcclintock Ann, Mufti Aamir and Shohat Ella. Dangerous Liaisons: Gender, Nation, and Postcolonial Perspectives. London: university of Minnesota press. 1998. McClintock, Ann and Helie-Lucas, Marie- Aimee. Film: PBS Video- Women, War and Peace WNET. PBS Video- Women, War and Peace. Web. n.d. Read More