Prostitution is defined as a form of non-marital sexual activity characterized by financial reward and absence of long-term fidelity between two parties. Prostitution has been widely debated, condemned for its immoral and degrading nature. On the other hand, there are liberal feminists who have counter argued saying that prostitution is very empowering. The controversy surrounding prostitution has divided feminists worldwide. Radical feminists are of the opinion that prostitution is an institution of male dominance that exploits economically vulnerable and emotionally damaged women for the sake of male pleasure. In this regard, prostitutes become involuntary victims of patriarchy or conscious participants in the degradation of women.
This therefore has impacts on all women as a group as prostitution continually affirms and reinforces patriarchal definitions of women as having a primary function to serve men sexually. Conversely, liberal feminists find in prostitution a practice of women’s resistance to and sexual liberation from norms and traditional moral precepts of sexuality that have long served to control and subordinate women. Others see prostitution as a means of wrestling patriarchal control over women’s sexuality that women should be at liberty to do. Prostitution therefore raises moral and legal questions. The legal question is should the practice be criminalized? In addition, the moral question is, is it wrong to sell or buy sex? These are questions I will endeavor to answer which are informed by the lived realities of women who make their living through prostitution.
Prostitution or the selling of sex is, as some would call it, one of the oldest professions in the world as it has been there since time immemorial. Criminalizing prostitution seems to be a futile exercise as it is failing to achieve the intended results that of deterring other possible perpetrators; instead it just frustrates the women who engage in it as they are essentially constantly harassed by the police without any prosecution. Why are there double standards as regards prostitution; why is it that it is only the sellers and not the buyers who are penalized?
Criminalization creates a culture permitting violence against sex workers and sanctions violence and discrimination against them. Sex workers are also afraid to report crimes against them, knowing that police may arrest them or may not take their claims seriously.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- DEDICATION
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- The History of Prostitution
- Gender Inequality
- Oppression Paradigm Versus Empowerment Paradigm
- The Oppression Paradigm
- The Empowerment Paradigm
- Radical Feminists' views on Criminalization of Prostitution
- Liberal Feminists' views on Decriminalization/Legalization of Prostitution
- Understanding Why Women Enter in to Prostitution
- ECONOMIC BENEFITS
- CRIMINAL JUSTICE BENEFITS
- REDUCED HEALTH RISKS
- The Need for Decriminalization
- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This book investigates the controversial topic of prostitution, examining the competing arguments of the oppression paradigm and the empowerment paradigm. It explores the historical context of prostitution, analyzing the gender inequalities that contribute to its existence and the differing perspectives of radical and liberal feminists on its legalization or criminalization.
- The historical context and evolution of prostitution.
- The role of gender inequality in shaping the experiences of sex workers.
- The opposing views of the oppression and empowerment paradigms on prostitution.
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of decriminalizing prostitution.
- The need for alternative models to address the complexities of prostitution.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of prostitution and its ongoing debate, highlighting the conflicting perspectives of feminists on its moral and legal implications. It emphasizes the need to understand the lived realities of sex workers in analyzing this complex issue.
- The History of Prostitution: This chapter provides a historical overview of prostitution, examining its historical context and evolution as a practice. It explores the changing social and legal attitudes towards prostitution throughout history.
- Gender Inequality: This chapter analyzes the role of gender inequality in shaping the experiences of sex workers. It examines the social and economic factors that contribute to women's vulnerability to prostitution and the ways in which it perpetuates gendered power imbalances.
- Oppression Paradigm Versus Empowerment Paradigm: This chapter delves into the two main theoretical frameworks used to understand prostitution. It explores the oppression paradigm's view of prostitution as a form of exploitation and the empowerment paradigm's view of prostitution as a means of female agency and liberation.
- Understanding Why Women Enter in to Prostitution: This chapter explores the various reasons why women enter into prostitution. It examines the economic, social, and personal factors that contribute to this decision and discusses the complex motivations behind their choices.
- The Need for Decriminalization: This chapter argues for the decriminalization of prostitution, presenting the potential benefits of this policy change. It explores the potential for reduced health risks, improved criminal justice outcomes, and greater empowerment for sex workers.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This book focuses on key terms and concepts such as prostitution, gender inequality, oppression paradigm, empowerment paradigm, feminist perspectives, decriminalization, legalization, criminal justice, health risks, and economic benefits. It examines the complexities of prostitution through the lenses of social, legal, and ethical considerations, advocating for a nuanced understanding of this multifaceted issue.
- Quote paper
- Julius T. Jaesen, II (Author), 2018, Should prostitution be legalised? The oppression paradigm versus the empowerment paradigm, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429140
