From care to prostitution? Investigating the linkage between the care system and women’s entry into the sex industry

From care to prostitution? Investigating the linkage between the care system and women’s entry into the sex industry

The Care System and Entry into Prostitution

Sociology

Lauren Doyle

2025

Supervisor: Ravi Thiara

Young women leaving the care system are disproportionately represented among those entering the sex industry (Coy, 2009, p. 255; Pearce et al., 2003). While research has linked the sexual exploitation of boys to experiences in local authority care (Lillywhite and Skidmore, 2006), young women remain exceedingly overrepresented within the commercial sex trade (Brown, 2019). Subsequently, this analysis will focus primarily on the influence of the care system on young women’s entry into this sector. Given the limited empirical research investigating the specific vulnerabilities that influence care-experienced women’s entry, a separate analysis for this gender-based issue is required (Coy, 2008; Coy, 2009). Through a literature review and the collection of primary data, this research project aimed to identify the key drivers behind 70% of women in the sex industry having histories in the care system. Three main aims were identified for this project: (i) To identify the key themes among care-experienced children that drive their entry into the sex industry and how they emerge, (ii) to understand how these recurring themes contribute to entry into the sexual marketplace, and (iii) to explore the extent to which these contributing factors are acknowledged by the care system and addressed through effective policy intervention. Core themes that emerged include childhood adversity, negative view of self, multiple placement moves, emotional insecurity, minimal safeguarding within care facilities, stigmatisation, and socio-economic disadvantage. Qualitative research methods, including primary interviews and questionnaires, have been conducted alongside a review of secondary data. This approach facilitated an in-depth analysis of the key themes identified, uncovering their significance and contribution to the extensive participation of care-experienced women in the sex industry.