‘Relive my life from scratch’: Learning through transition for women exiting the sex trade

Abstract

Abstract Transitions can be an important learning opportunity. Learning is particularly relevant to marginalized populations transition experiences, such as women exiting the sex trade. In this qualitative study, we investigated the learning of 10 women who transitioned out of the sex trade in Texas between 3 and 20\xa0years ago with a support organization s help. We found that learning in transitions was deeply connected to the women s identities, spheres of experience, and their surrounding social interactions and supports. One indicator of a successful transition was how effectively an individual moved from one sphere of experience, when it no longer served them, to another. Second, participants prior identities receded over time as it was no longer rewarded in their new sphere of experience. Third, the adoption of a new identity required considerable learning to fit into mainstream society. Finally, support organizations play a critical role in women s transition out of the sex trade. This study contributes to our understanding of learning transitions and the experiences of marginalized groups.