Fieldwork on Prostitution in the Era of Aids

Pfister

ANT 3414 81291

7 September 2016

Reaction Paper #1

In "Fieldwork on Prostitution in the Era of AIDS", explores research done by immersing oneself in the prostitution cultures in New York City and Atlanta; the anthropologist tries not to judge the subjects in her interviews, and her openness allows her to better understand the cultures. This reading provided an insider's look into the lives of prostitutes, something that most people try to ignore and avoid. One thing that was particularly interesting to me was that the world of prostitution is truly a culture of its own. The reading describes the different types of prostitutes: the street walker, the hooked prostitutes, and the crack prostitutes and how each one of them provides a layer in their culture. Later showcasing the relationship between the prostitutes and the pimps. Overall this article highlighted the life of prostitution as a culture in society. I was also impressed with anthropologist courage to go up and talk to these women. The world of prostitution does not seem inviting for interviews. After reading this article I felt like I had a better understanding of women doing prostitution and the reasons why they do what they do.

I found it interesting that an anthropologist would even think about doing a research about prostitution, which made me think that anthropology is such a wide range of possible subjects and ideas to study. Understanding that a cultural anthropologist can sometimes put their lives in danger when it comes to studying their subjects. Reading this piece made me not judge women who do prostitution. Finding out that not all prostitutes just basically gave up on life and education, these women are wise and just went down the wrong path in life. To do this research the anthropologist had to gather data, she had to first assimilate and become an insider to gain the trust of the women in her study. Forming relationships with the women by letting them know she was genuinely interested about their lives. With this, she was accepted into the culture and be unthreatening.