Prostitution Policy
Revolutionizing Practice Through a Gendered Perspective
Published on 27. October 2002
Book
Hardback
214 pages
978-0-8147-4763-6 (ISBN)
Description
While widely acknowledged as the world's oldest profession, and often glamorized or demonized in the media, prostitution is a critical part of American culture and its economy, as well as a social problem in need of an updated public policy.
In Prostitution Policy, Lenore Kuo combines feminist social research and legal studies to tackle issues raised by heterosexual prostitution in the U.S. Through the lens of feminist theory, Kuo examines the milieu of prostitutes and the role of prostitution in contemporary society, and how the interplay of those two works itself out in practice.
Moving beyond theoretical analysis of prostitution, Prostitution Policy turns to the complicated problem of formulating a reasonable legal policy that minimizes harm. Kuo discusss criminalization, legalization, and decriminalization as possible approaches, ultimately arguing for a unique form of decriminalization including detailed legal oversight and mandatory social services.
In Prostitution Policy, Lenore Kuo combines feminist social research and legal studies to tackle issues raised by heterosexual prostitution in the U.S. Through the lens of feminist theory, Kuo examines the milieu of prostitutes and the role of prostitution in contemporary society, and how the interplay of those two works itself out in practice.
Moving beyond theoretical analysis of prostitution, Prostitution Policy turns to the complicated problem of formulating a reasonable legal policy that minimizes harm. Kuo discusss criminalization, legalization, and decriminalization as possible approaches, ultimately arguing for a unique form of decriminalization including detailed legal oversight and mandatory social services.
Reviews / Votes
Kuo is a careful, thoughtful writer. She is a fine researcher and dedicated to this project as she defines it. (Canadian Journal of Women and the Law) Kuo presents a carefully argued set of proposals for a feminist public policy on adult heterosexual prostitution. Kuo believes that the ultimate aim of feminist policy should not be to abolish adult heterosexual prostitution but rather radically to transform it. She therefore recommends not only legal solutions but also many extra-legal governmental supports for sex workers. Kuos uniquely comprehensive and systematic proposals provide an indispensable standard for all future discussions of adult heterosexual prostitution policy. - Alison M. Jaggar,University of Colorado, Boulder< Kuos inclusion of international data and diverse prostitutes voices is distinctly valuable and her policy recommendations most thought-provoking. This book is an important contribution to the feminist dialogue on prostitution policy. It permits us to move beyond the standard oppression versus choice arguments to other, less polarized perspectives on prostitution. - Rosemarie Tong,University of North Carolina, Charlotte An interesting and enlightening read on one of todays hottest topics (Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 164 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
449 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8147-4763-6 (9780814747636)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Lenore Kuo is the Nancy Rowell Jackman Chair professor of women's studies at Mount St. Vincent University in Nova Scotia.
Content
Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1 Contextualizing the Discussion: Feminism and Policy Analysis 2 A Sexually Charged Context, the Feminist "Sex Wars," and Prostitution De?ned 3 The Intrinsic Character of Heterosexual Activity and Prostitution 4 Sexuality and Prostitution as Conceptual Constructs 5 The Practice of Heterosexuality and Heterosexual Prostitution6 The "Ideal" Character of Heterosex/Intercourse and Prostitution 7 Evolving a Policy-Legal Status 8 The Feminist Debate 9 Prostitution Solution: Policy Recommendations Notes Bibliography Index About the Author