Societal Dynamics: Lived Experiences of Pink Cardholder Women in a Top Tourist Destination in the Philippines

Eugene Toring; Kimberlyn Toring; Jimmy Maming; Noel Tarrazona; Jhoselle Tus

doi:10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.144

Authors

Eugene Toring Indiana Aerospace University
Kimberlyn Toring University of the Visayas
Jimmy Maming Cebu Institute of Technology-University
Noel Tarrazona Western Mindanao State University
Jhoselle Tus St. Dominic College of Asia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.144

Keywords:

sex workerspink cardholders, Philippines, economic necessity, social discrimination, safety concerns, health regulations, Boracay island, Phenomenology

Abstract

In the Philippines, prostitution is against the law, however enforcement is not always consistent, since it can be allowed at times. This study explored the lived experiences of sex workers in a top tourist destination in the country. Poverty and a lack of opportunities make the complex problem worse, and these problems hit women and children the hardest. Human trafficking is a serious infringement of human rights that is typically linked to the prostitution industry. The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data through interviews with eight (8) female participants in the study. Results revealed that: Theme (1): Lived Experiences of Pink Card Holders on Boracay Island with Sub-Themes (1) Rationales, (2) Daily Work Routine, and (3) Clientele Preferences; theme (2) Challenges Faced by Pink Card Holders on Boracay Island with Sub-Themes (1) Social Discrimination, (2) Safety Concerns; Theme (3): Coping Mechanisms of Pink Card Holders in Boracay Island with Sub-Themes (1) Coping Mechanisms and Resilience in Sex Workers; (2) The Ethical and Economic Aspects of Sex Work; Theme (4): Social Dynamics of Pink Card Holders in Boracay Island with Sub-Themes (1) Social Dynamics in Sex Tourism and (2) Discrimination and Stigma in Sex Work.

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