Les logiques sociales de la prostitution des mineures âgées de 12 à 14 ans dans la commune de Yopougon

In Côte d’Ivoire, with the economic crisis, prostitution seems to be a means of social success and survival. Underage girls are no exception. The aim of this study is to identify the personal, family, social and cultural characteristics of under-age girls who are sexually exploited in Yopougon, and the social rationale behind their behaviour. The phenomenon is on the increase, and the profile of those involved is varied, ranging from adults to minors under the age of 15. In terms of methodology, the commune of Yopougon is the site of investigation. A purposive sampling method was used, involving 70 respondents. These were direct participants, in particular sexually exploited minors and their clients, and indirect participants such as the local population, some relatives and acquaintances of these exploited minors, and a number of managers of the structures concerned, from whom a wide range of information was gathered. The data was collected using documentary research, a questionnaire and an interview guide, then analysed and interpreted from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, with regard to the theory of dyssociality and social control.