Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Mary Hope Schwoebel

Second Advisor

Robin Cooper

Third Advisor

Elena Bastidas

Keywords

abuse and neglect, empowerment, human rights, prostitution, trafficking, violence and social conflicts

Abstract

This narrative inquiry discovered the phenomenon of jineteras and jineterismo in Havana, Cuba. Jinetera (single) or jineterismo (group) refers to female prostitution in Cuba. Thus, the study examines the life experiences of jineteras, including the causes and influences. This dissertation provided an opportunity for women currently involved in jineterismo to voice their narratives in a natural and safe environment. The study involved seven jineteras who engaged in the research through informal interviews. This narrative inquiry protects individuals’ social situations and circumstances. The researcher examined the interview data through a holistic – content, the life story of an individual, and the material presented by it (Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, & Zilber, 1998, p.13). Further, social constructivism and feminism theories explain the phenomenon across narrative inquiries of jineterismo in Cuba. Conflict analysis played a significant role based on countless conflicts on the island, for example, sex tourism, structural violence, and social conflict. In addition to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, human rights violations, human trafficking, and other social challenges such as poverty, abuse, economic conflicts, government exploitation, and citizens’ punishment before committing a crime. This narrative provides an opportunity to narrate women’s stories and, at the same time, create awareness. This dissertation is valuable for organizations, educators, and researchers interested in jineterismo.

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