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

Sayantan Ghosal, Smarajit Jana, Anandi Mani, Sandip Mitra and Sanchari Roy
Additional contact information
Smarajit Jana: Sonagachi Research and Training Institute
Anandi Mani: Blavatnik School Of Government
Sandip Mitra: Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata

CAGE Online Working Paper Series from Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE)

Abstract: This paper studies the link between self-image and behavior among those who face stigma due to poverty and 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 stigma can induce behavior 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; savings; public health; HIV prevention; gender; sex workers; India JEL Classification: O12; J15; D87 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/resear ... ns/302-2016_mani.pdf

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 (2020)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cge:wacage:302

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