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Prostitution control in America: Rethinking public policy

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Abstract

In the past two decades there has been little critical examination of the prevailing methods of controlling prostitution in the United States. This article examines selected problems in the control of prostitution in the United States and critically assesses three major alternatives to the prevailing policy of criminalization. Alternative approaches are evaluated using the criteria of public preferences, efficient use of criminal justice resources, and harm reduction. One policy, involving a dualistic approach, is found to be superior in satisfying these criteria.

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  1. Department of Sociology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA (e-mail

    Ronald Weitzer

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  1. Ronald Weitzer
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Weitzer, R. Prostitution control in America: Rethinking public policy. Crime, Law and Social Change 32, 83–102 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008305200324

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