“Don’t look down on us”: Assessing the vulnerabilities of female massage parlor workers in Phnom Penh
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
ISSN: 0144-333X
Article publication date: 28 January 2020
Issue publication date: 20 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Although some research has been done with entertainment workers in KTV bars, little has been done to gain a qualitative understanding of the vulnerabilities of masseuse women. This is due to a prevalent focus on girls under 18 years, thereby excluding most masseuses. The purpose of this paper is to understand the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 98 female participants completed an interview answering both open and closed questions concerning relationships, stigma and discrimination and personal sexual abuse among other topics.
Findings
This study finds that many women working in the massage parlor industry are vulnerable to various threats, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Dependency structures within the massage parlor as well as with their families seem to play a key role in the life situations that can be positive as well as negative, and in some cases both.
Research limitations/implications
This is not a prevalence study so all figures are tentative. The women were deeply concerned that they might be stigmatized further so they may not have revealed the extent of their challenges.
Practical implications
More research and work with this vulnerable group is vital. They should be recognized as a vulnerable group who have rights.
Social implications
The findings provide a baseline evaluation of the vulnerable conditions of the massage industry for women in Cambodia. Specifically, that stigma, discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as a lack of access to education are all vulnerabilities not commonly covered, especially with adult women working in the entertainment industry.
Originality/value
Understanding the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown so a study of this kind is necessary.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was conducted as part of a series of research listening to sexually exploited people in SE Asia. The authors would like to thank Leang Cheng, Sopheak Kong, Sin Kunthea and Sovanny Lann, Director of Women of Hope for conducting the Field Research. Also to Vana Hem and Dong Heng for the translation of the data. The interns would further like to thank Sophorn Phuong and Chendamony Sokun for their patience in helping the authors to understand some of the aspects of Cambodian culture. Finally, the data collection process was facilitated by Chanra Chea, and Tesia Geyer. This peer review journal article is based on the more detailed technical document called, “Strive, No Matter What” Research was conducted in September 2014.
Citation
Miles, G., Geyer, T., Ding, R., Blasé, O. and Clark, K. (2020), "“Don’t look down on us”: Assessing the vulnerabilities of female massage parlor workers in Phnom Penh", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 40 No. 1/2, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-09-2018-0143
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited