Re-Thinking Prostitution: Feminism, Sex, and the Self

by Belinda J. Carpenter

Prostitution is a difficult issue, particularly for feminists. Are prostitutes victims of exploitation or the most honest of women? Are clients perverts or just acting instinctively? Should prostitution be eliminated or supported? This book examines these contemporary questions and offers a way of thinking about the issues, which does not rely on these inappropriate and often ineffectual options. Repositioning the institution and its main players outside the confines of the prostitution debate offers new and exciting ways of thinking and acting for all those interested in moving this discussion into the twenty-first century.

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the historical development of the pro and anti prostitution sides, the ways of knowing prostitutes and clients, and the way in which the duality of the debate may be surpassed. I was glad to read about many arguments and challenges I had never heard before.

The only downside is that I could not properly understand some of the more philosophical-sociological arguments. I would have liked a more detailed explanation of those parts.