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The Perceptions of Prostitution, Sex Work, and Sex Trafficking among Young People in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Carmen Meneses-Falcón

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain)

  • Antonio Rúa-Vieites

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain)

  • Olaya García-Vázquez

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain; Centro Universitario Cardenal Cisneros, Universidad Alcalá de Henares, Spain)

Abstract

This article analyses the viewpoints of Spanish youth regarding prostitution, sex workers, and their opinions on what the law surrounding sex work should be. Spain is currently in the grip of a great debate, tending to adopt the punishment of sex buyers. To investigate this issue, 3126 young participants aged 16–30 were surveyed through an online questionnaire in December 2020, which consisted of 21 questions. A factor analysis revealed three distinct perceptions of prostitution falling into three categories: ‘As a choice’ (22.8%), ‘as coercive’ (27.9%), and ‘as economic necessity’ (49.3%). Correspondingly, the legal positions on prostitution varied depending on the perceptions of paid sex: viewing prostitution ‘as coercive’ was associated with the criminalisation of prostitution, while considering sex work ‘as a choice’ was related to the regulation of prostitution. In conclusion, the young Spaniards surveyed do not consider all those who offer paid sex as victims of trafficking; instead, they differentiate based on the connection between trafficking and the sex industry. These diverse perceptions contribute to policy recommendations aimed at preventing the negative consequences of prostitution, implementing harm reduction measures to safeguard sex workers, and moving beyond dichotomous policies of criminalization and regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen Meneses-Falcón & Antonio Rúa-Vieites & Olaya García-Vázquez, 2024. "The Perceptions of Prostitution, Sex Work, and Sex Trafficking among Young People in Spain," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(4), pages 1016-1035, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:4:p:1016-1035
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804231212306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francesca Bettio & Marina Della Giusta & Maria Laura Di Tommaso, 2017. "Sex Work and Trafficking: Moving beyond Dichotomies," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(3), pages 1-22, July.
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    3. Ronald Weitzer, 2014. "New Directions in Research on Human Trafficking," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 653(1), pages 6-24, May.
    4. Niklas Jakobsson & Andreas Kotsadam, 2011. "Gender Equity and Prostitution: An Investigation of Attitudes in Norway and Sweden," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 31-58, January.
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