Summary Of Tricking And Tipping By Claire Strak

People take an interest on different subjects, in the case of Claire Sterk her article “Tricking and Tipping: Fieldwork on Prostitution in the Era of Aids” is about the lives of prostitutes from the prostitutes view points. Topics include how they introduced themselves to the world of sex in exchange for money or drugs, the violence and abuse they encounter during work, and how many of the prostitutes managed to conclude that way of life. Sterk began her research due to her interest in women’s health, in particular relating to sexual behavior. As an anthropologist Sterk enjoyed doing research, although she mentions numerous times the difficulties and dangers she faced during her research involving not only prostitutes, but also pimps and crack house owners and managers. “One of my scariest experience occurred before I knew to work through pimps, and one such man had some of his friends follow me on my way home one night” ”I fortunately was able to escape with only a few bruises”. Additionally, Sterk shares many of her experiences during her research, for example, when she became overwhelmed with pressure, such as when pimps from a certain crack house will ask her to
Steak recalls being very careful about opinions as they could quickly remove her from obtaining any information she might need to continue her research. Nevertheless, as stated before they were times were she acknowledges providing subtle personal opinion and how this can quickly backfire. Sterk was trying very hard to avoid involving her personal views. Given her position and background knowledge about women’s health, it must be very difficult to refrain from providing personal opinion. Thus, explains why at times she found herself leaving the scene and refraining from going to certain places or even dealing with certain