HELPING THOSE IN LIMINALITY: EXPLORING AN ORGANISATION'S WORK WITH SEX WORKERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Sex workers in Singapore operate in an environment of liminality given the regulatory margins set by the State on the sex industry. The legal ambiguity that many sex workers exist in makes them susceptible to police enforcement that puts their livelihoods and families’ at risk. In addition, many sex workers face stigma and discrimination from the public. This thesis is an exploratory study that seeks to explore how a non-governmental organisation works with sex workers in light of the social and legal boundaries that surround them. This study involves qualitative semi-structured interviews with three staff participants of the organisation focusing on the (1) programs of the organisation and the (2) therapeutic alliance between the worker and client in navigating the unique issues they face as sex workers. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the work of such organisations in the hopes that Singapore social workers have a better understanding on supporting sex workers’ needs as well as adopting an orientation that respects their rights to self-determination and agency whether they remain or leave the industry.