A1 Journal article (refereed)
Transactional sex and mobile phones in a Tanzanian slum (2013)

Stark, L. (2013). Transactional sex and mobile phones in a Tanzanian slum. Suomen antropologi, 38(1), 12-36.

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Stark, Laura

Journal or series: Suomen antropologi

ISSN: 0355-3930

eISSN: 1799-8972

Publication year: 2013

Volume: 38

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 12-36

Publisher: Suomen antropologinen seura

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/97131

Abstract

On the basis of semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010 and 2012, this article examines some of the social and economic impacts of transactional sex within a low-income area of Dar es Salaam, and how opportunities for transactional sex, in turn, have been expanded by mobile telephony. On the basis of my interviews, I posit that in areas of chronic poverty, familial strategies born of poverty depend on cooperation among family members, and it is therefore important to study those factors which most heavily influence an individual's willingness to cooperate. I conclude that transactional sex, and the new possibilities afforded by mobile phones for minors to conceal their sexual behavior from caretakers, are key elements in the intergenerational transmission of female poverty through early pregnancy and early marriage.

Keywords: poverty; low-income people; sexual behaviour; gender; sex; remunerativeness; cell phones; economic effects

Free keywords: Africa; mobile phones; sexuality; social trust; Tanzania

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2014

JUFO rating: 1