The Historical and Sociocultural Landscape of Sex Work in India: Exploring the Intersections of Gender, Caste, Tradition, and Rights

Abstract

This article closely looks at the historical and sociocultural dimensions of sex work in India, highlighting how it affects women’s empowerment and the discussion about their rights. It looks back at how sex work started in a traditional system like the Devadasi and Tawaif systems, which were once considered acceptable, and how it became illegal and pushed to the side during colonial and postcolonial periods.

The article explores how things like caste hierarchy, strict gender roles, and restrictive laws shape the lives of sex workers, especially those from less powerful communities. Using a review of academic papers and reports from institutes, the article finds that there are still many problems, including continuing caste-based work patterns, strong social stigma, and mixed views on sex workers, while some see them as victims. It also pointed out how local efforts and groups like RACS and NACO have helped change the way sex work is seen, pushing for dignity, health, and rights. The analysis highlights that the situation is complicated, where remnants of traditional acceptance coexist with legal restrictions, which makes it hard to support sex workers properly. To deal with this, the article advocates for an inclusive way of thinking that focuses on the right instead of a mortality-driven approach, aiming to fix deep inequality and help sex workers. By looking at sex work through the lens of gender equality, the article calls for policies that guarantee dignity and support the rights of sex workers as equal citizens.