Basotho sex work in the light of Basotho traditional moral values

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to interrogate sex work in Lesotho in the light of Basotho traditional moral values premised on the Relational Moral Theory. This study aimed at finding out how sex workers view sex work in consideration of the Basotho traditional moral values; and examined circumstances that lead to sex work. Basotho traditional moral values provide norms for good conduct practiced openly and proudly as part and parcel of Basotho way of life. When it comes to sex work, it is rather a recent phenomenon whose practice is covered with secrecy and obscurity in Lesotho. It is in this case that this study is aimed at conscientising and sensitising the government of Lesotho about the state of sex industry and to intervene where necessary. Of the utmost importance in the analysis, the study looked into sex workers’ views on sex work in the light of Basotho traditional moral values. Sex workers shared their opinions on sex work as far as Basotho traditional moral values are concerned, such as sex work as a slavery, sex work as dirty work and sex work as evil and sex workers’ views that support sex work. It also looked into ways and strategies that can be employed to combat sex work situation in Lesotho, for instance factors that contribute to sex workers in Lesotho such as: child-headed families which includes the death of parents and divorced parents. Abduction, lack of education, unemployment, poverty, and migrant labour are also factors. The study addressed ways and strategies to combat the sex work situation in Lesotho. The strategies have been sourced from the sex workers themselves through interviews. These include counselling sessions for sex workers, job creation workshops and subsistence farming projects for sex workers. In order to address the above intentions of the study, the study implored qualitative approach. Therefore, this approach was selected in order to understand the attitudes, beliefs and get some other important information from the participants. The study employed two sampling methods namely: purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The researcher purposely chose some new sex workers and some veterans (old sex workers) in order to get different experiences and information. The snowball sampling technique was suitable for the researcher as the population under investigation is sensitive and hidden (Browne, 2005: 1). For the collection of data, the study employed focus group discussions. A focus group is more appropriate in this study since it helped the researcher to understand how sex workers think and feel.