“Learn how to hustle for good”: Women's work transitions out of the sex trade

Abstract

Human resource development principles have important applications for everyone, including marginalized populations. Particularly relevant to marginalized groups are issues of work development and growth, as impacted by individuals' confidence and ability to transfer skills to different contexts. In this qualitative study, we explored the experiences of a particular group of marginalized women, namely those transitioning out of the sex trade and into legal employment. Study participants included 10 women who have been out of the sex trade from between 3 and 20 years. We found that, in their transition to lawful work, the women began with low job self‐efficacy. Traditional influencers of self‐efficacy were key to aiding their transitions. The most important factor was reflected efficacy, which occurred through their experiences receiving coaching from leaders of the exit‐assistance organizations and employers. This coaching helped the women reframe their skills and attributes gained in the sex trade into employable qualities valued in lawful work. The present study contributes to our understanding of supervisors' roles in helping employees develop self‐efficacy. We conclude with ways in which employers and organizations can aide employment transitions as well as build skills transfer and job self‐efficacy through modes of reflected efficacy and coaching in positive, professional relationships.

Navigating Multiple Approaches to Qualitative Research in HRD

“…In some sense, basic studies are defined by applying the fundamentals of qualitative research and nothing else. Examples in HRD include Deer et al’s (2020) study of women exiting the sex trade and finding legal employment. The study employed interviews and a constant comparative analysis to answer the research question “How do women exiting the sex trade describe their experiences transitioning to legal employment?” (Deer et al, 2020, p. 32).…”

“…Examples in HRD include Deer et al’s (2020) study of women exiting the sex trade and finding legal employment. The study employed interviews and a constant comparative analysis to answer the research question “How do women exiting the sex trade describe their experiences transitioning to legal employment?” (Deer et al, 2020, p. 32). As a second example, Terblanche (2021) conducted a basic study to answer the research question “How should transition coaching be applied as an HRD intervention aimed at facilitating transformative learning during career transitions?” (p. 13).…”

The Power of Ethics and Standards When the Scholarly System Fails

“…Many asked for a retraction of the article (Chwe, 2021;Stanley et al, 2021). Scholars have also collected signatures on a petition to condemn and retract the article because of its infringement on research ethics and standards (Chwe, 2021). As of this writing in March 2021, over 3,300 professors and researchers in various disciplines around the world have signed the petition letter.…”

“…Upon hearing about the publication of Ramseyer's article, a chorus of scholars in history, law, and economics shared immediate concern about the credibility of various claims and potential violation of ethical research conduct. Many asked for a retraction of the article (Chwe, 2021;Stanley et al, 2021). Scholars have also collected signatures on a petition to condemn and retract the article because of its infringement on research ethics and standards (Chwe, 2021).…”