Rethinking Prostitution

Contributors from a wide variety of researchers, activists and sex workers re-examine prostitution. Covers male and female sex workers; their status in law; drugs; health; changing nature of sex work ; pimps; the potential for redefining prostitution
The growth of AIDS has focused renewed attention on the institution of prostitution. In contrast to the moral panic reaction of some sectors of society, very different initiatives are being displayed by other groups in relation to the need to scrutinize the social, moral and legal status of prostitution and to reflect on the arguments in support of and against legalising brothels, paying particular concern to prostitutes' own health. This volume covers male as well as female sex workers and considers in detail their status in law; drugs; issues of health and health care; the changing nature of sex work; partners, boyfriends and pimps; and the potential for rethinking prostitution. By drawing on the expertise of researchers across all aspects of the industry, the text focuses on an institution and industry ripe for re-assessment. It should be of interest to students, lecturers and researchers in medical sociology and women's studies; social workers in training and practice as well as the general reader as an area of topical interest and concern.