Work

Systemic Violence, Social Harms and Necropolitics: The Interaction of Prison and Life ‘on Road’ for Women Engaged in Sexual Commerce in East London

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study draws on theories of systemic violence (Ruggiero 2020; Žižek 2008), social harms (Canning and Tombs 2021; Hall et al. 2020; Pemberton 2016) and Mbembe’s (2019; 2003) necropolitics to highlight social harms experienced by women ‘on road’. Data originally generated for a consultation funded by Doctors of the World UK (Henceforth DOTW UK) to examine the self-perceptions of health needs by women engaged in street level sex work was reanalysed to tease out a panoramic view of the social harms and systemic violence experienced by the women interviewed. The reanalysis highlighted how the early life systemic violence experienced by many of the women interviewed exacerbated acute marginalization, resulting in spiralling levels of systemic and personal violence, stigma and social harm.

Source: The British Journal of Criminology

DOI: 10.1093/bjc/azaf100

Authors: Rachel Stuart, Kate L O’Brien, Caroline Chatwin, Pippa Grenfell

Institutions: Brunel University of London, Durham University, University of Greenwich, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Sex work and related issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,341