Exposing the “pretty woman” myth: A qualitative examination of the lives of female streetwalking prostitutes

Abstract

Intensive interviews were conducted with 43 women involved in streetwalking prostitution. Data were analyzed according to Phenomenological Descriptive Analysis, results of which are presented in two parts. Detailed accounts of the lives of a subgroup of 5 participants are described first, followed by a broader discussion of results including the entire sample of 43. Themes common across the larger group are presented in three segments, including (a) early development, (b) life in “the game, “ and (c) leaving the streets. Implications for advocacy and further research are presented.