Sex Work in Nepal

This insightful exploration of sex work in Nepal examines socio-cultural norms and the framing of this category by various institutions, including media and development projects.

This book delves into the complex landscape of ‘sex work’ in Nepal, presenting it as both a social and analytical category. By examining the socio-cultural norms and perceptions surrounding sexual consumption, Sex Work in Nepal reveals the intricate changes and continuities that define this domain. The narrative is enriched with stories of individuals who navigate this reality, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences within the broader societal framework.

In addition to personal accounts, Sex Work in Nepal scrutinizes the role of various institutions, including the development sector, media, and local community discourses, in framing ‘sex work’ as a distinct category. It raises critical questions about how development aid projects influence perceptions of sex workers and how visual representations shape public understanding. The book also explores the transformation of intimate practices and relationships in light of imported notions of love, highlighting shifts in standards of propriety and societal expectations.

Through a thorough ethnographic approach, this work challenges prevailing concepts of deviance and victimhood, proposing a counternarrative that reconsiders ideas of gender, objectification, and discrimination. By illuminating the agency and decision-making processes of those labeled as sex workers, Sex Work in Nepal serves as an essential resource for researchers and scholars in various fields, including women and gender studies, sociology, and social anthropology.