Citation

Nakasatomi H. Shakai kagaku kenkyu 2007; 58(2): 39-69.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Hakujitsu Shoin)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although it is a serious system of sex inequality, sex trafficking of women continues to exist. Prostitution is a practice of systematic sex inequality because it promotes violence against women; reinforces gender inequality; and constructs gendered sexuality. The notion of "sexwork" is false in that it cannot explain why money is paid for sexual acts such as those in which one is bound like a slave and not able to "work" at all. Although the right of self-determination in sex has contributed to combating gender-based violence, it takes on a different nature when applied to prostitution. It denies treating prostitution as employed work, but accepts self-employed prostitution. When legalized as a self-employed profession, prostitution will dramatically expand gender discrimination and violence against women due to prostitution. We need to reinstate the personal right to human dignity in sex. Enshrining this personal right in laws would allow societies to outlaw the obtaining of sexual services in exchange for payment because prostitution would then involve the purchase of this inviolable right.