International approaches to prostitution: Law and policy in Europe and Asia
Geetanjali Gangoli and Nicole Westmarland
Abstract
What is to be done about prostitution? Is it work or is it violence? Are women involved in prostitution offenders or victims? Is prostitution a private or a political issue? The answers to these questions vary depending on many factors, including where in the world you live. This book provides a valuable, detailed international comparison of the laws, policies, and interventions in eight countries across Europe (England and Wales, France, Sweden, and Moldova) and Asia (India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Taiwan). The countries were chosen because of their contrasting social-policy and legislative f ... More
What is to be done about prostitution? Is it work or is it violence? Are women involved in prostitution offenders or victims? Is prostitution a private or a political issue? The answers to these questions vary depending on many factors, including where in the world you live. This book provides a valuable, detailed international comparison of the laws, policies, and interventions in eight countries across Europe (England and Wales, France, Sweden, and Moldova) and Asia (India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Taiwan). The countries were chosen because of their contrasting social-policy and legislative frameworks. Specific topics covered include national social and historical contexts in relation to prostitution; legal frameworks – with discussion of existing laws and policies, debates around legislation and decriminalisation, and key issues faced – particularly relating to reasons for entering prostitution, and analysis of policies and interventions. The case studies are brought to life by giving voice to the experiences of women involved in prostitution themselves, together with the personal reflections of the authors. Aimed at a wide audience of students, academics, policy makers, and practitioners, the book contributes to academic and policy debates in the fields of criminology, law, social policy, women's studies, sociology, politics, and international relations.
Keywords:
prostitution,
Europe,
Asia,
social policy,
legislation,
law,
interventions,
criminology
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2006 |
Print ISBN-13: 9781861346728 |
| Published to Policy Press Scholarship Online: March 2012 |
DOI:10.1332/policypress/9781861346728.001.0001 |
