Honors Theses
Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Melissa Bass
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This thesis examines the issues with current United States' sex work policies and considers peer countries' policies as potential alternatives by surveying existing research and utilizing case studies. Specifically, this thesis analyzes how American sex work policy restricts bodily autonomy, creates dangerous markets, and hinders efforts to deter sex trafficking. As policy alternatives, this study evaluates German and Swedish policies. German policy provides an example of a fully legalized and regulated sex market, where the buying and selling of sex are legally protected. The study on Swedish policy provides an example of the Nordic Model, where the buying of sex is criminalized but the selling of sex is legal. This thesis concludes that, as a policy alternative, the Nordic Model could better suit the United States. Even after over a decade of legalization, Germany has failed to create practical regulations that protect sex workers. While the Nordic Model is not without issue, the alternative is most politically feasible and opens the door for collaboration between the government and at-risk workers.
Recommended Citation
Rowe, Kathryn, "Regulating Sex Work: United States' Policy and International Comparisons" (2018). Honors Theses. 522.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/522
Accessibility Status
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