Sex workers, Stigma and Self-Image: Evidence from Kolkata Brothels

Sayantan Ghosal, Smarajit; Jana, Anandi; Mani, Sandip; Mitra and Sanchari Roy

No 2020-03, CSAE Working Paper Series from Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford

Abstract: This paper studies the link between self-image and behaviour among those who face stigma due to povertyand social exclusion. Using a randomized field experiment with sex workers in Kolkata (India), we examine whether a psychological intervention aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of internatlized stigma can induce behaviour change. We find significant improvements in participants' self-image, as well as their savings and preventive health choices. Additionally, changes in savings and health behaviour persist up to fifteen and 21 months later respectively. Our findings highlight the potential of purely psychological interventions to improve the life choices and outcomes of marginalized groups.

Keywords: Stigma; Self-image; Saving Public health; HIV prevention; Gender sex workers; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D87 J15 O12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp and nep-hea
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Sex Workers, Stigma, and Self-Image: Evidence from Kolkata Brothels (2022)
Working Paper: Sex Workers, Stigma and Self-Image: Evidence from Kolkata Brothels (2016)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:csa:wpaper:2020-03

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