“I Fell Off [the Mothering] Track”: Barriers to “Effective Mothering” Among Prostituted Women

Author: Dalla, Rochelle

Abstract: Ecological theory and basic assumptions for the promotion of effective mothering among low-income and working-poor women are applied in relation to a particularly vulnerable population: street-level prostitution-involved women. Qualitative data from 38 street-level prostituted women shows barriers to effective mothering at the individual, community, and societal levels. Suggestions for enhancing the lives and long-term well-being of prostituted women with children are included.

Keywords: street-level prostitution, mothering, low-income, working-poor