NCJ Number
212715
Journal
Crime, Law and Social Change Volume: 43 Issue: 4-5 Dated: 2005 Pages: 211-235
Date Published
2005
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This review assesses the theoretical and empirical literature on contemporary prostitution.
Abstract
Regarding theoretical issues, there has been little advancement in recent years because the literature has been dominated by quasi-theoretical, polemical writing that stems from an antiprostitution political agenda. Specifically, radical feminism has portrayed prostitution as the quintessential form of male domination over women. Topics addressed include variations in types of prostitution and working conditions, along with variable psychological adjustments to the work and the different effects on communities where prostitution is practiced. Overall, studies indicate that the type of prostitution is the best predictor of worker experiences. Other topics discussed are male and transgender prostitution, customer profiles and motivations for patronizing prostitutes, and the managers of prostitutes. The general conclusion of this review is that the literature has focused too much on female street prostitutes, which has resulted in an unbalanced and distorted view of its characteristics. More research is needed on indoor prostitutes, male and female customers, male and transgender workers, and managers. Such research should produce a more comprehensive, accurate, and multifaceted understanding of prostitutes multiple experiences of the work, types of power relations between workers and managers and workers and customers, and the extent to which inequality characterizes various forms of prostitution. 7 notes and 109 references