Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2013; 2(1):(49-342)


Dangerous women of Hong Kong? Media construction of stigma in female sex workers

Ting Fong, Eleanor Anne Holroyd, William C W Wong

Abstract

This study used a cultural model analysis to examine the Hong Kong print media’s social construction of stigma in respect to female sex workers. An analysis was conducted on captions and main headlines of two newspaper (Chinese and English) media in Hong Kong between the years 2003-2006. A total of 591 articles on sex workers were recruited in the analysis with 422 located from the Ming Pao and 169 articles from the SCMP. In Hong Kong, as in elsewhere, sex workers were commonly labeled as the sources of sexually transmitted diseases and as women who endangered the public safety through socially unacceptable occupations. They were also portrayed as “ugly”, “weak” and “powerless” in the articles identified. We conclude the Hong Kong print media plays a significant role in contributing to the stigmatization of sex workers, heightening health risk and vulnerability. Such social construction of public stigma then in turn, can be argued to contribute to a lessened propensity for female sex workers both seek and engage with formal health services.

Most Viewed Article
  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065

  • Holistic Health and the Process of Recovery
    Pascal Scoles
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24064

  • Psychiatric Co-Morbidities of Epilepsy in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
    Djingri Labodi LOMPO, Julie Adeline KYELEM, Alassane ZOUNGRANA, Fabienne KERE, Christian NAPON, Athanase MILLOGO.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24063

  • Addressing the AAPI COVID-19 Health Effects in Pima County
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24062

Most Downloaded
  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065

  • Holistic Health and the Process of Recovery
    Pascal Scoles
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24064

  • Psychiatric Co-Morbidities of Epilepsy in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
    Djingri Labodi LOMPO, Julie Adeline KYELEM, Alassane ZOUNGRANA, Fabienne KERE, Christian NAPON, Athanase MILLOGO.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24063

  • Addressing the AAPI COVID-19 Health Effects in Pima County
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24062