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, Definition and Impact of the Swedish Model
- 5. Why this Debate is Important for Social Work
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to debate the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden, highlighting its significance as a development issue. It explores the historical context of prostitution, examines the contrasting legal approaches adopted by Germany (legalization) and Sweden (the Nordic Model), and analyzes the societal impacts of these policies. The thesis utilizes existing research and avoids relying on personal experience with prostitution.
- Historical development of prostitution in Europe
- Legalization of prostitution in Germany and its consequences
- The Swedish Model and its impact
- Feminist perspectives on prostitution policy
- The role of social work in addressing prostitution
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the central theme of the thesis: a debate on the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden, framing it within the context of development issues and human dignity. It defines key terms like prostitution, human trafficking, and the different approaches to regulating the sex industry (legalization, decriminalization, the Swedish Model). The author connects their personal engagement with Dressember, a non-profit raising awareness about human trafficking, to their motivation for studying the topic. The chapter lays the groundwork for exploring the historical context and contrasting legal approaches in subsequent chapters.
2. The Beginning of Prostitution in Europe and Reasons why Prostitution Continues over Thousands of Years: This chapter delves into the historical origins of prostitution, exploring various theories about its emergence, from sacred prostitution to its links with slavery. It traces the evolution of prostitution through Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and the influence of Christianity, demonstrating its persistence throughout different eras and cultural contexts. The chapter highlights the changing societal perceptions of prostitution, from periods of legalization and regulation to periods of stigmatization and criminalization. It underscores the consistent link between poverty and prostitution, identifying poverty as a critical development issue contributing to its persistence.
3. Germany as an Example for the Legalization of Prostitution: This chapter focuses on Germany's decision to legalize prostitution in 2002, analyzing the reasoning behind this policy choice and its subsequent consequences. It examines the Prostitution Protection Act of 2017, intended to improve the safety and working conditions of sex workers, and explores the diverse feminist perspectives on this legislation. The chapter presents a multifaceted analysis of the impact of legalization, encompassing both its intended and unintended consequences on the sex industry and broader society.
Keywords
Prostitution, legalization, Sweden, Germany, Nordic Model, human trafficking, sex work, feminist perspectives, development issues, social work, human dignity, poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on the Legality of Prostitution in Germany and Sweden
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis examines the legality of prostitution in Germany and Sweden, comparing and contrasting their approaches (legalization vs. the Nordic Model), and analyzing the societal impacts of these policies. It explores the historical context of prostitution and its connection to development issues and human dignity.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the historical development of prostitution in Europe, the legalization of prostitution in Germany and its consequences (including the Prostitution Protection Act), the Swedish Model and its impact, feminist perspectives on prostitution policy, and the role of social work in addressing prostitution.
What is the scope of the historical overview of prostitution?
The historical overview traces the origins of prostitution from ancient times (Ancient Greece, Roman Empire) through the influence of Christianity to modern times. It explores various theories about its emergence and evolution, highlighting changing societal perceptions and the persistent link between poverty and prostitution.
How does the thesis address the German approach to prostitution?
The thesis analyzes Germany's legalization of prostitution in 2002, examining the reasons behind this decision and its consequences. It includes a detailed discussion of the Prostitution Protection Act of 2017, its intended and unintended effects, and diverse feminist perspectives on the legislation.
What is the Swedish Model, and how does the thesis discuss it?
The thesis examines the Swedish Model, which criminalizes the purchase of sex but not the selling of it. It analyzes the development, definition, and impact of this model, offering a comparative analysis with the German approach to highlight the contrasting legal and societal outcomes.
What is the significance of feminist perspectives in this thesis?
The thesis incorporates diverse feminist viewpoints on prostitution policies in both Germany and Sweden, providing a critical analysis of the impacts of legalization and the Nordic Model on women and sex workers.
What role does social work play in the context of this thesis?
The thesis explores the role of social work in addressing the complex issues surrounding prostitution, considering the social, economic, and ethical implications of different regulatory approaches.
What are the key conclusions of this thesis?
The conclusion summarizes the findings of the research, highlighting the contrasting impacts of the German and Swedish models, and offering an overall assessment of their effectiveness in addressing the complex issues associated with prostitution. (Specific conclusions are not explicitly outlined in the provided preview.)
What are the keywords associated with this thesis?
Keywords include: Prostitution, legalization, Sweden, Germany, Nordic Model, human trafficking, sex work, feminist perspectives, development issues, social work, human dignity, poverty.
What is the author's personal connection to the topic?
The author mentions their involvement with Dressember, a non-profit organization raising awareness about human trafficking, as motivation for studying this topic. However, the thesis emphasizes that it relies on existing research and avoids personal experiences with prostitution.
- Citation du texte
- Katharina Swoboda (Auteur), 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
