SEX MASKS - THE DOUBLE LIFE OF FEMALE COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS IN MEXICO-CITY

The central topic of the article is the divided world of female commer cial sex workers (FCSW) in Mexico City. Fourteen focus group sessions were conducted with 133 FCSW from varying socio-economic levels and ty pes of work site, as well as seven individual interviews. FCSW live in a constant double bind, as mother and ''prostitute,'' and come into d aily contact with society's double standard for women. Reactions inclu de justifying sex work as a better paying employment opportunity for w omen, as a necessary evil, and as a type of social service, while at t he same time hiding their profession from their families. FCSW also li ve out an archetypal female ambivalence, their selves divided between the mother/''saint'' and the traitor/''prostitute.'' This article defi nes elements which should be taken into account in culturally appropri ate programs for prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission, especially the i mportance which FCSW give to their role as mothers and promotion of th e condom as a physical and symbolic barrier between professional and p rivate life.