Love, power, resilience and vulnerability: relationship dynamics between female sex workers in Ghana and their intimate partners. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Onyango, Monica Adhiambo; Adu-Sarkodie, Yaw; Adjei, Rose Odotei; Agyarko-Poku, Thomas; Kopelman, Carol Hunsberger; Green, Kimberly; Wambugu, Samuel; Clement, Nana Fosua; Wondergem, Peter; Beard, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Culture, health & sexuality. Volume 21:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Female sex workers -- romantic partners -- key populations -- HIV -- Ghana; Sex -- Periodicals; Sex -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Sex -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; 306.705
• DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1446550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-1058

Abstract

Abstract: Little is known about female sex workers' daily lives or emotional relationships. Using relational-cultural theory, this study explored the relationship dynamics between sex workers and their intimate partners in Kumasi, Ghana. We collected qualitative data from 37 male intimate partners through 24 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 13 male partners. We also conducted three FGDs with 20 women involved in sex work. Relationships between sex workers and their intimate partners were mutual, reciprocal and transactional. Male partners provided protection for financial support, a place to sleep and intimacy. Both men and women described their relationships in terms of friendship, love and a hopeful future. Women were reluctant to quit sex work because they depended on it for income. Most respondents did not use condoms in these romantic relationships, citing trust, love, faithfulness and commitment. Both men and women described high levels of violence in their relationships. The context of sex work heightens vulnerability but also appears to facilitate resilience and creative coping strategies. The relational dynamics between sex workers and their intimate partners in Ghana merit further exploration to examine the extent to which women involved in sex work hold and exert power within these relationships.