Non-ceremonial gift-exchange among didis in Kamathipura : Exploring gift-giving in Asia’s largest red-light district
Abstract: Everyday invisible and hidden non-ceremonial gifts are offered to ease challenges. These gifts create and enhance social bonds as people exchange with those they feel connected to and identify with. By answering the question “How is gift-giving used by female sex workers (FSWs) in Kamathipura?” the thesis explores how gift-exchange helps FSWs in Asia’s largest red-light district, cope with everyday hardships and how these practices affect their social bonds. Using semi-structured interviews, this study finds that FSWs exchange two types of gifts. The first are non-material in nature, like emotional support, care and knowledge. The others are material gifts like food, money, a means to avoid prison when detained by the police and physical security. A major finding of this study was that FSWs exchange client referrals and warnings about dangerous customers. It was observed that the purpose of exchanging gifts was so that one day, when needed, they may get back the support they once gave. Lastly, these exchanges were found to maintain and strengthen their social bonds. The lack of them, on the contrary, hinders the creation of perdurable social relations. Furthermore, among the women who exchange alliances of care, empathy and protection were found, denoting community spirit.
AT THIS PAGE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE ESSAY. (follow the link to the next page)