Tojisha Participatory Action Research in Sex Work Studies

Dilemma, Meanings or Informed Consent

Abstract

“Sex Work Studies” is a relatively new research area which became defined in the 2000s. It was built on exchanges concerning prostitution as well as the effect of the sex workers' rights movement. Sex Work Studies is also a praxis which takes minorities' point of view to improve global inequalities. This paper is based on my experience as a researcher for whom these aspects of Sex Work Studies resonate. It examines Tojisha（the marginalised）Participatory Action Research as an essential method for this area, considering its importance, difficulties and dilemma. The dilemma is an inevitable one faced by marginalised populations; Participatory Action Research conducted by the marginalised aims to change their situations and the backbone structure but it also makes it difficult to achieve that aim precisely because the actor and the subject area are marginalised. The evident inequality between the marginalised and institutional researchers and the complications of participants' consent within this relationship are discussed as practical issues. Finally, the paper reaffirms the meaning of the method in Sex Work Studies as having an inherent capacity to recognise and challenge its difficulties. It thereby demonstrates the potential of Tojisha Participatory Action Research to deepen the discussion of wider research ethics and gradually shift the status quo through making concrete suggestions to refine research systems and practices to solve the dilemma.