This paper is debating the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden. To begin my thesis, I will first talk about the background and history of Prostitution. How long has it existed, where does it originate, and how has it changed over the centuries. There will be a list of reasons accounting for, why Prostitution is such an old profession. A main aspect is poverty, which is a development issue.
Further, I will explain why the German Government moved to legalize Prostitution in 2002 and the impact of this decision. To improve recognition of prostitutes and make their job safer, the Prostitution Protection Law came into effect in 2017. It is important to understand the different opinions of feminists on this topic, because most prostitutes are women. It all comes down to the way people view prostitution: as a violation of human dignity or as an autonomous decision to risky activity or as a profession like any other.
As my last topic, I will explain the Swedish Model and how it developed. Sweden has a completely different view on how to deal with prostitution than Germany. Both countries decided to pass laws for more gender equality. However, the impacts of the laws are unique. That is why there will be a debate in the end as to why social work is necessary in dealing with prostitution.
“The dignity of men is sacrosanct” - this is the first Article of the Constitutional Law in Germany. If every person has the same value and worth, everybody must be treated the same way. How does this include people who are forced into prostitution? They aren’t being treated like any other person - instead, some people think that since they are paying for sexual services, they can treat people on the sex industry however they want.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Beginning of Prostitution in Europe and Reasons why Prostitution Continues over Thousands of Years
3. Germany as an Example for the Legalization of Prostitution
3.1 Reasons why the German Government decided to Legalize Prostitution and the consequences of this law
3.2 The Prostitution Protection law in Germany and the impact of it
3.3 A feminist point of view on the Prostitution Protection Law
4. The Development, Defintion and Impact of the Swedish Model
5. Why this Debate is Important for Social Work
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis examines the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden, exploring how different legislative approaches impact human rights, gender equality, and the lives of those involved in the sex industry, while situating the discourse within broader development and social work contexts.
- Historical evolution of prostitution as a gender-based issue.
- Comparative analysis of the German legalization model versus the Swedish prohibitionist model.
- Examination of the socioeconomic and developmental factors driving prostitution.
- Integration of feminist perspectives on sexual exploitation and agency.
- Analysis of the critical role of social work in supporting vulnerable populations.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
“The dignity of men is sacrosanct” - this is the first Article of the Constitutional Law in Germany. If every person has the same value and worth, everybody must be treated the same way. How does this include people who are forced into prostitution? They aren’t being treated like any other person - instead, some people think that since they are paying for sexual services, they can treat people on the sex industry however they want (Bien-Aime 2015: w. p.). The definition of prostitution is the engagement in a sexual service with somebody who is not a spouse, a girl- or boyfriend. In exchange the seller is getting some kind of payment. This could be money, other valuables or drugs for example. Prostitutes can be female, male or transgender. However, in history and in modern times the majority are female (UNODC 2016: 27). A buyer, purchaser or john is somebody who is paying for sexual services and are usually men. They create the demand for prostitution and in some cases also for sexual exploitation (UN 2000: 3). Prostitution is often connected to human trafficking.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the definition of prostitution, defines the context of human trafficking, and establishes the research purpose of comparing German and Swedish legal models.
2. The Beginning of Prostitution in Europe and Reasons why Prostitution Continues over Thousands of Years: This section provides a historical overview of the sex trade from antiquity through modernity, focusing on the roles of poverty, gender inequality, and social marginalization as primary drivers.
3. Germany as an Example for the Legalization of Prostitution: This chapter analyzes the trajectory of German legislation, the specific goals of the Prostitution Protection Law, and the practical impacts on sex workers.
4. The Development, Defintion and Impact of the Swedish Model: This chapter details the origins and implementation of the Swedish (Nordic) Model, which criminalizes the purchase rather than the sale of sexual services.
5. Why this Debate is Important for Social Work: This chapter discusses the intersection of social work practice and the sex industry, highlighting the need for trauma-informed care and systemic advocacy.
6. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the central arguments, reflects on the effectiveness of both legal models, and provides the author's final outlook on gender equality.
Keywords
Prostitution, Germany, Sweden, Swedish Model, Human Trafficking, Gender Equality, Social Work, Prostitution Protection Law, Sexual Exploitation, Feminism, Human Rights, Poverty, Sex Workers, Trafficking, Legalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this thesis?
The thesis investigates the legal status of prostitution in Germany and Sweden, comparing their divergent approaches to regulation and the resulting implications for those involved in the sex industry.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The key themes include the history of prostitution, the impact of the Swedish Model versus the German legal framework, the role of gender inequality, and the essential responsibilities of social work.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to analyze how different legal frameworks serve or fail to serve the dignity and rights of individuals in prostitution and why this should be addressed as a critical development issue.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a qualitative analysis of legislative documents, parliamentary reports, and existing literature to compare international approaches to prostitution.
What does the main body cover?
The main body examines historical trends, compares the German Prostitution Protection Law with the Swedish "Nordic Model," and evaluates the efficacy of these policies from various feminist perspectives.
What are the characterizing keywords of the work?
Key terms include Prostitution, Human Trafficking, Social Work, Swedish Model, Gender Equality, and Legalization.
How does the Swedish Model differ from the German approach?
The Swedish Model criminalizes the purchase of sex to reduce demand and combat human trafficking, while the German approach seeks to regulate the industry through a legalized framework intended to improve conditions for sex workers.
What role does poverty play according to the author?
The author identifies poverty as a fundamental, long-standing driver that makes individuals particularly vulnerable to recruitment into the sex industry.
Why is social work considered significant in this context?
Social workers are identified as essential agents who connect with individuals in public spaces, provide necessary trauma support, and offer advocacy for human rights within a sometimes contradictory legal environment.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Swoboda (Author), 2020, Debating the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden and why this is a development issue, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1307975
