Wayne
12-12-2013, 01:56 PM
http://theconversation.com/criminalising-those-who-pay-sex-workers-misses-the-point-21362
I am surprised I have not seen any discussion on this in this forums. I have copied the story below, from The Conversation, that looks at a report handed to the Federal government recommending criminalising those that visit sex workers as a method to control the growth in the sex industry. This story argues against the recommendation, but it gets you worried that this is the sort of thing being discussed by our government. All that blow up recently in the Fairfax Media may well not be isolated.
11 December 2013, 5.05pm AEST
Criminalising those who pay sex workers misses the point
AUTHOR
Lizzie Smith
Research Officer at The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Lizzie Smith does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.
Provides funding as a Member of The Conversation.
latrobe.edu.au
PhD Scholarship in Exercise Physiology
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Executive Officer (Special Projects), Alumni And Advancement
An exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team in a newly created role in Alumni and Advancement Full-time, continuing…
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What if sex workers were seen as allies in redressing gendered stereotypes? Lies Thru a Lens
A recent report by the non-governmental organisation Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia recommends the adoption of the Nordic Model in Australia. Also known as the Swedish Model, this legislation would see the selling of sex decriminalised and the purchasing of sex criminalised. The premise is that if you curb the demand the supply will dry up.
But behind this model are various assumptions about the effects of sex work on women’s mental health and physical safety.
At a base level, those assumptions are drawn from the notion that sex and sex acts are intrinsically linked to an individual’s sense of self and identity – although more so for women than for men. Sex workers who speak out against this construction of their work are branded as suffering from false consciousness.
Thus having colluded with their oppressor – patriarchy – they are seen to have taken on a kind of Stockholm Syndrome (in which victims of kidnapping feel sympathy towards their captors). In this way, sex work becomes a prism for looking at the effects of restrictive gender stereotypes for many radical feminists. The “rescue” of women from their own collusion is seen as the only way to humanely respond to sex work.
Rigid gendered stereotypes do have effects and are considered to be a social determinant of violence against women. But this is not unique to the sex industry: it’s reflective of the devastating statistics that one in three women world-wide will experience gendered violence in their lifetime.
But what if sex workers were seen as allies in a broader movement towards redressing community attitudes that support gendered stereotypes?
As a PhD student, I was privileged to undertake research into how women sex workers responded to various understandings about who they are as people and as sex workers. Far from simply colluding with a patriarchal model that positions their worth (and bodies) as vessels for the so-called “male sex drive” (whether that’s seen as essential or socially constructed) they saw themselves as resisting, challenging and changing how some men viewed them and other women – not despite their sex work, but through it.
Stigma
Sex work is highly stigmatised and, as I have written previously on The Conversation stigmatising discourses emerge from multiple places and echoes can be heard in today’s debates and understandings.
For the women who spoke to me, it was the discourses emanating from radical feminism that were pertinent to them at the time and they spoke of many ways that they worked on their relationships to these understandings, including resisting seeing themselves as victims.
To give just one example, Sara – not her real name – told me about her struggles with perspectives that position her as colluding with patriarchy and contributing to the inequality of all women:
Because so many people criticise you and what you do and it’s really easy to feel really down on yourself because you hear these people saying that you are contributing to, you know, this really, um, bad thing, you know you are aiding, you are colluding and all this kind of, of oppressive stuff. And that’s really hard, you know, that’s really hard to hear.
Redressing how women, and their sexualities, are viewed at a societal level does not necessitate the end of commercial sex. It does demand that we look closely at how women are considered in general, including in the sex industry and all other industries that suffer from gender imbalances and gender inequality.
Challenging gender stereotypes that culminate in gendered violence (including against LGBTIQ people) and gender inequality is a long, hard undertaking and treating women (and trans women) in sex work as victims is a big step in the wrong direction.
The nuances and complexity of all sites in which gender inequality and gendered stereotypes are perpetuated (i.e. everywhere) need to be examined, and sex workers have a role to play in this.
One sex worker, April – not her real name – who participated in my PhD research eloquently sums this up. Her words are worth pondering before relegating all sex workers to the oppression basket and all clients to that of perpetrator:
Sex work is not inherently reinforcing of gender inequalities, and in my experience, can actually contribute positively (both individually and socially) to redressing such equalities. It is a site, like any, in which a myriad of meanings come together and emerge in a range of ways that may either challenge or reinforce existing discriminatory views and experiences.
Further reading:
Buying sex should be banned in Australia
Sign in to Favourite 26 Comments
Republish Email Tweet34 Share53 Reddit this!
TAGS
Sex work, Prostitution
RELATED ARTICLES
4 December 2013
Buying sex should be banned in Australia
25 October 2013
Police attitude to sex saunas is wrong, bizarre and dangerous
30 July 2013
Dehumanising sex workers: what’s ‘prostitute’ got to do with it?
14 March 2013
Why the NDIS should cover the services of sex workers
19 February 2013
Evidence not morality should guide sex work policy
ARTICLES ALSO BY THIS AUTHOR
30 July 2013
Dehumanising sex workers: what’s ‘prostitute’ got to do with it?
Sign in to Favourite
Republish Email Tweet34 Share53 Reddit this!
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Sign up to our free newsletter to get the day's top stories in your inbox each morning, with a special wrap on Saturday.
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Help us have better conversations — donate
Join the conversation To comment or recommend, sign in or sign up 26 Comments sorted by Oldest Newest
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
For several decades Dutch Governments have approved several programs where disabled are subsidised in using prostitutes.
This is done to comply with the Human Rights of the disabled
Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars for what is their Human Right and prostitutes don't have any problem with it either.
So much for the Swedish model
about 19 hours ago report
Suzy Gneist
Multiple: self-employed, employed, student, mother, volunteer, NFP executive
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Does this Swedish model you refer to live in Holland?
about 18 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Suzy Gneist
They won't have a bar of it, disabled people do count there and women are free to chose what they want to do.
It's a no brainer really
about 18 hours ago report
Suzy Gneist
Multiple: self-employed, employed, student, mother, volunteer, NFP executive
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Count where??? Holland or Sweden? And who are 'they'?
I don't actually understand your argument and what countries you are comparing and on what basis, and how you know what feminists stand for?
Your statements don't seem to make any sense.
about 17 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
The article isn't actually saying that disabled clients should be jailed.
about 15 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
Purchasing of sex should be criminalised. Check the criminal laws, they all have jail terms attached to them.
And why does this article or a previous article a few days ago, doesn't mention this - they don't even think of these things here, as is apparent in both articles.
Same as they don't say that the main perpetrators of people trafficking and in this case for the sex industry, are women.
about 15 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Suzy Gneist
In Holland they won't have a bar of the Swedish model, the Swedish model dictates that those who purchase should face criminal charges.
For decades in Holland there have been approved programs where disabled can have the use of prostitutes, most of them are subsidised programs one way or the other.
It's actually regarded as a Human Rights issue, and the Swedish model is a feminist model, just look it up
about 15 hours ago report
Darren G
logged in via email @yahoo.com
In reply to Suzy Gneist
Don't worry, Suzy. Rene seems to specialise in that sort of "logic"..
about 12 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Darren G
Very logic actually, but you wouldn't understand that
about 12 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Your words : "Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars for what is their Human Right and prostitutes don't have any problem with it either." Now you say "Purchasing of sex should be criminalised". So are you a feminist too, or are you saying that should disabled people be exempt? Is your argument even coherent?
Btw I am fairly sure Australian criminal law doesn't yet criminalise the purchase of sex, otherwise there would be police raiding every brothel. And as a matter of logic, if you say that purchasing of sex **should** be criminalised, that implies that you think it isn't yet criminalised.
about 5 hours ago report
Chris O'Neill
Victim of Tony Abbotts Great Big New Tax
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
"Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars"
Some people think force is the solution to all perceived problems.
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
The Swedish model states that the purchasing of sex should be criminalised, which would include the disabled.
"A recent report by the non-governmental organisation Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia recommends the adoption of the Nordic Model in Australia. Also known as the Swedish Model, this legislation would see the selling of sex decriminalised and the purchasing of sex criminalised"
Got it?
about 2 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Your words: "Purchasing of sex should be criminalised. Check the criminal laws...". But in your comment to Jackie, you commend her approach to sex work. So are you agreeing with the feminists/Swedish Model or not? If you do agree, should disabled people be exempt?
about 1 hour ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
It's the Swedish model and those who propose this should be implemented here in Australia, who advocate for purchasing of sex to be criminalised, not me
To highlight the absurdity of the Swedish model, I simply referred to the consequences of this when in Holland there are Government approved subsidised programs where disabled can use prostitutes or sex workers for a basic human need.
And to totally highlight the absurdity of the Swedish model and those who advocate for it, who are they to say what people can and can't do, has nothing to do with them.
So it has been rather obvious from the beginning that I don't agree with it and it also imposes on the Human Rights of the disabled, after all they become criminals under the Swedish model
And yes there are disabled women who use male prostitutes and like men they have every right to do so
32 minutes ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
You might be surprised to learn, Rene, now that you've taken the trouble to explain your views clearly, that I agree with you (mostly). I am against all forms of trafficking, exploitation and violence, but I do not believe that the Swedish model will be effective against that. It's also true that we should balance the right to agency of sex workers (and their clients) against the risks of exploitation. I don't think that the Swedish model will do that in this country. I am aware of research that contests the Swedish model.
less than a minute ago report
Comment removed by moderator.
Dale Bloom
Analyst
Comment deleted?
Don’t know why. Nothing abusive, no name calling etc that is so often done by other posters.
The normal line is that women sex workers are being oppressed by men paying for sex.
But the author suggests different.
I suggest different also.
about 16 hours ago report
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
“The basis of the Swedish law is that prostitution is a violation of women’s bodily integrity so the way it’s conceptualised in Sweden is that it is an extreme form of male violence, and that it results in gender inequality for all women, not just women who sell sex and it really relies on the claim that no prostituion can ever be said to be voluntary.
“It positions prostitutes as victims and clients as rapists,”
Hi, myself and all my sex worker friends are not victims.
This is my first problem with the Swedish Model.
It says to me that it doesnt matter what i say or do or feel.. if i am happy, successful and proud of my job/career, it doesnt matter because apparently i cant see that i am a victim.
The sex industry gave me strength and confidence that i dont believe i could have found in another life path. This was my path, my destiny.
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Jackie Parker
Good for you and your colleagues
about 1 hour ago report
Meagan Tyler
Lecturer in Sociology at Victoria University
Thanks for the article, but it such a great shame it doesn't actually engage with any of the content or research in the CATWA report.
The idea that all people involved in sex work are suffering from false consciousness is absolutely not what the Nordic Model implies nor does it suggest that people in prostitution are "colluding with their oppressor". Indeed the Model need not even be seen as denying claims by some that they choose and enjoy work in prostitution, but rather that these claims do not outweigh the harm experienced by many others.
http://feministcurrent.com/8347/10-myths-about-prostitution-trafficking-and-the-nordic-model/
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Meagan Tyler
This is what CATWA stands for:
Our aim is to promote awareness that prostitution is sexual violence against women and bring an end to the sex industry. We are pro-women and support women's struggle for dignity and survival whether they are in or outside the sex industry and we aim to decriminalise the victims of prostitution.
CATWA promotes a recognition that all forms of trafficking and sexual exploitation are an abuse of universal human rights and constitute severe discrimination.
CATWA…
Read more
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
In reply to Meagan Tyler
In regards to the Australian sex industry. i am 1000% sure that the number of happy healthy sex workers outweighs the number of sex trafficking victims and victims within our industry.
The number of sex trafficking victims in Australia is very low. I believe that this is because the sex workers and clients are very quick to report activity like this. As a sex worker i DO NOT ever want another person to be forced to do this job! I would hate for any woman or man to be forced to do ANY job…
Read more
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
oops i think there was a glitch in the Matrix lol
My clients are pretty cool people.
People assume that sex workers will see anyone that comes there way flashing money, this is not true. If you are a jerk i have every right to turn you away. I choose who i see just as much as they choose me.
With the Swedish Model, my nice awesome clients become criminals. They wont be able to book me as often (or at all) due to the fear of being caught and arrested. So then what i must do to pay my rent…
Read more
caroline norma
lecturer, RMIT University
The comment that radical feminists want to 'rescue' prostituted people is a strange one considering the Nordic Model removes any legal sanction on them--they become free to do as they wish. The Model establishes comprehensive and specially tailored services and facilities for people to leave the sex industry if they wish. It forces government to allocate budgetary resources to these exit programs, which include trauma counselling, drug and alcohol rehab, housing and job skills courses. Writing off these important social services as 'rescue' is unfortunate, given the same dismissal could be made of social programs for any group in society.
about 1 hour ago report
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
In reply to caroline norma
I am not a "Prostituted person"... I am a sex worker.
Cheers
I am surprised I have not seen any discussion on this in this forums. I have copied the story below, from The Conversation, that looks at a report handed to the Federal government recommending criminalising those that visit sex workers as a method to control the growth in the sex industry. This story argues against the recommendation, but it gets you worried that this is the sort of thing being discussed by our government. All that blow up recently in the Fairfax Media may well not be isolated.
11 December 2013, 5.05pm AEST
Criminalising those who pay sex workers misses the point
AUTHOR
Lizzie Smith
Research Officer at The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Lizzie Smith does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has no relevant affiliations.
Provides funding as a Member of The Conversation.
latrobe.edu.au
PhD Scholarship in Exercise Physiology
Highest Australian ranking for research in Human Movement and Sports Science World-class research training Stipend of $25,392…
Executive Officer (Special Projects), Alumni And Advancement
An exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team in a newly created role in Alumni and Advancement Full-time, continuing…
Research Fellow / Exercise Physiology
Highest Australian ranking for research in Human Movement and Sports Science Full time fixed term appointment to 30 September…
MORE LA TROBE UNIVERSITY JOBS
Where experts find jobs
What if sex workers were seen as allies in redressing gendered stereotypes? Lies Thru a Lens
A recent report by the non-governmental organisation Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia recommends the adoption of the Nordic Model in Australia. Also known as the Swedish Model, this legislation would see the selling of sex decriminalised and the purchasing of sex criminalised. The premise is that if you curb the demand the supply will dry up.
But behind this model are various assumptions about the effects of sex work on women’s mental health and physical safety.
At a base level, those assumptions are drawn from the notion that sex and sex acts are intrinsically linked to an individual’s sense of self and identity – although more so for women than for men. Sex workers who speak out against this construction of their work are branded as suffering from false consciousness.
Thus having colluded with their oppressor – patriarchy – they are seen to have taken on a kind of Stockholm Syndrome (in which victims of kidnapping feel sympathy towards their captors). In this way, sex work becomes a prism for looking at the effects of restrictive gender stereotypes for many radical feminists. The “rescue” of women from their own collusion is seen as the only way to humanely respond to sex work.
Rigid gendered stereotypes do have effects and are considered to be a social determinant of violence against women. But this is not unique to the sex industry: it’s reflective of the devastating statistics that one in three women world-wide will experience gendered violence in their lifetime.
But what if sex workers were seen as allies in a broader movement towards redressing community attitudes that support gendered stereotypes?
As a PhD student, I was privileged to undertake research into how women sex workers responded to various understandings about who they are as people and as sex workers. Far from simply colluding with a patriarchal model that positions their worth (and bodies) as vessels for the so-called “male sex drive” (whether that’s seen as essential or socially constructed) they saw themselves as resisting, challenging and changing how some men viewed them and other women – not despite their sex work, but through it.
Stigma
Sex work is highly stigmatised and, as I have written previously on The Conversation stigmatising discourses emerge from multiple places and echoes can be heard in today’s debates and understandings.
For the women who spoke to me, it was the discourses emanating from radical feminism that were pertinent to them at the time and they spoke of many ways that they worked on their relationships to these understandings, including resisting seeing themselves as victims.
To give just one example, Sara – not her real name – told me about her struggles with perspectives that position her as colluding with patriarchy and contributing to the inequality of all women:
Because so many people criticise you and what you do and it’s really easy to feel really down on yourself because you hear these people saying that you are contributing to, you know, this really, um, bad thing, you know you are aiding, you are colluding and all this kind of, of oppressive stuff. And that’s really hard, you know, that’s really hard to hear.
Redressing how women, and their sexualities, are viewed at a societal level does not necessitate the end of commercial sex. It does demand that we look closely at how women are considered in general, including in the sex industry and all other industries that suffer from gender imbalances and gender inequality.
Challenging gender stereotypes that culminate in gendered violence (including against LGBTIQ people) and gender inequality is a long, hard undertaking and treating women (and trans women) in sex work as victims is a big step in the wrong direction.
The nuances and complexity of all sites in which gender inequality and gendered stereotypes are perpetuated (i.e. everywhere) need to be examined, and sex workers have a role to play in this.
One sex worker, April – not her real name – who participated in my PhD research eloquently sums this up. Her words are worth pondering before relegating all sex workers to the oppression basket and all clients to that of perpetrator:
Sex work is not inherently reinforcing of gender inequalities, and in my experience, can actually contribute positively (both individually and socially) to redressing such equalities. It is a site, like any, in which a myriad of meanings come together and emerge in a range of ways that may either challenge or reinforce existing discriminatory views and experiences.
Further reading:
Buying sex should be banned in Australia
Sign in to Favourite 26 Comments
Republish Email Tweet34 Share53 Reddit this!
TAGS
Sex work, Prostitution
RELATED ARTICLES
4 December 2013
Buying sex should be banned in Australia
25 October 2013
Police attitude to sex saunas is wrong, bizarre and dangerous
30 July 2013
Dehumanising sex workers: what’s ‘prostitute’ got to do with it?
14 March 2013
Why the NDIS should cover the services of sex workers
19 February 2013
Evidence not morality should guide sex work policy
ARTICLES ALSO BY THIS AUTHOR
30 July 2013
Dehumanising sex workers: what’s ‘prostitute’ got to do with it?
Sign in to Favourite
Republish Email Tweet34 Share53 Reddit this!
Want to follow The Conversation?
Sign up to our free newsletter to get the day's top stories in your inbox each morning, with a special wrap on Saturday.
United Kingdom Australia
Help us have better conversations — donate
Join the conversation To comment or recommend, sign in or sign up 26 Comments sorted by Oldest Newest
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
For several decades Dutch Governments have approved several programs where disabled are subsidised in using prostitutes.
This is done to comply with the Human Rights of the disabled
Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars for what is their Human Right and prostitutes don't have any problem with it either.
So much for the Swedish model
about 19 hours ago report
Suzy Gneist
Multiple: self-employed, employed, student, mother, volunteer, NFP executive
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Does this Swedish model you refer to live in Holland?
about 18 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Suzy Gneist
They won't have a bar of it, disabled people do count there and women are free to chose what they want to do.
It's a no brainer really
about 18 hours ago report
Suzy Gneist
Multiple: self-employed, employed, student, mother, volunteer, NFP executive
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Count where??? Holland or Sweden? And who are 'they'?
I don't actually understand your argument and what countries you are comparing and on what basis, and how you know what feminists stand for?
Your statements don't seem to make any sense.
about 17 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
The article isn't actually saying that disabled clients should be jailed.
about 15 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
Purchasing of sex should be criminalised. Check the criminal laws, they all have jail terms attached to them.
And why does this article or a previous article a few days ago, doesn't mention this - they don't even think of these things here, as is apparent in both articles.
Same as they don't say that the main perpetrators of people trafficking and in this case for the sex industry, are women.
about 15 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Suzy Gneist
In Holland they won't have a bar of the Swedish model, the Swedish model dictates that those who purchase should face criminal charges.
For decades in Holland there have been approved programs where disabled can have the use of prostitutes, most of them are subsidised programs one way or the other.
It's actually regarded as a Human Rights issue, and the Swedish model is a feminist model, just look it up
about 15 hours ago report
Darren G
logged in via email @yahoo.com
In reply to Suzy Gneist
Don't worry, Suzy. Rene seems to specialise in that sort of "logic"..
about 12 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Darren G
Very logic actually, but you wouldn't understand that
about 12 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Your words : "Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars for what is their Human Right and prostitutes don't have any problem with it either." Now you say "Purchasing of sex should be criminalised". So are you a feminist too, or are you saying that should disabled people be exempt? Is your argument even coherent?
Btw I am fairly sure Australian criminal law doesn't yet criminalise the purchase of sex, otherwise there would be police raiding every brothel. And as a matter of logic, if you say that purchasing of sex **should** be criminalised, that implies that you think it isn't yet criminalised.
about 5 hours ago report
Chris O'Neill
Victim of Tony Abbotts Great Big New Tax
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
"Nice to know that feminists like to see the disabled behind bars"
Some people think force is the solution to all perceived problems.
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
The Swedish model states that the purchasing of sex should be criminalised, which would include the disabled.
"A recent report by the non-governmental organisation Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia recommends the adoption of the Nordic Model in Australia. Also known as the Swedish Model, this legislation would see the selling of sex decriminalised and the purchasing of sex criminalised"
Got it?
about 2 hours ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
Your words: "Purchasing of sex should be criminalised. Check the criminal laws...". But in your comment to Jackie, you commend her approach to sex work. So are you agreeing with the feminists/Swedish Model or not? If you do agree, should disabled people be exempt?
about 1 hour ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to David Theodor Roth
It's the Swedish model and those who propose this should be implemented here in Australia, who advocate for purchasing of sex to be criminalised, not me
To highlight the absurdity of the Swedish model, I simply referred to the consequences of this when in Holland there are Government approved subsidised programs where disabled can use prostitutes or sex workers for a basic human need.
And to totally highlight the absurdity of the Swedish model and those who advocate for it, who are they to say what people can and can't do, has nothing to do with them.
So it has been rather obvious from the beginning that I don't agree with it and it also imposes on the Human Rights of the disabled, after all they become criminals under the Swedish model
And yes there are disabled women who use male prostitutes and like men they have every right to do so
32 minutes ago report
David Theodor Roth
Postgrad History Student
In reply to Rene Oldenburger
You might be surprised to learn, Rene, now that you've taken the trouble to explain your views clearly, that I agree with you (mostly). I am against all forms of trafficking, exploitation and violence, but I do not believe that the Swedish model will be effective against that. It's also true that we should balance the right to agency of sex workers (and their clients) against the risks of exploitation. I don't think that the Swedish model will do that in this country. I am aware of research that contests the Swedish model.
less than a minute ago report
Comment removed by moderator.
Dale Bloom
Analyst
Comment deleted?
Don’t know why. Nothing abusive, no name calling etc that is so often done by other posters.
The normal line is that women sex workers are being oppressed by men paying for sex.
But the author suggests different.
I suggest different also.
about 16 hours ago report
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
“The basis of the Swedish law is that prostitution is a violation of women’s bodily integrity so the way it’s conceptualised in Sweden is that it is an extreme form of male violence, and that it results in gender inequality for all women, not just women who sell sex and it really relies on the claim that no prostituion can ever be said to be voluntary.
“It positions prostitutes as victims and clients as rapists,”
Hi, myself and all my sex worker friends are not victims.
This is my first problem with the Swedish Model.
It says to me that it doesnt matter what i say or do or feel.. if i am happy, successful and proud of my job/career, it doesnt matter because apparently i cant see that i am a victim.
The sex industry gave me strength and confidence that i dont believe i could have found in another life path. This was my path, my destiny.
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Jackie Parker
Good for you and your colleagues
about 1 hour ago report
Meagan Tyler
Lecturer in Sociology at Victoria University
Thanks for the article, but it such a great shame it doesn't actually engage with any of the content or research in the CATWA report.
The idea that all people involved in sex work are suffering from false consciousness is absolutely not what the Nordic Model implies nor does it suggest that people in prostitution are "colluding with their oppressor". Indeed the Model need not even be seen as denying claims by some that they choose and enjoy work in prostitution, but rather that these claims do not outweigh the harm experienced by many others.
http://feministcurrent.com/8347/10-myths-about-prostitution-trafficking-and-the-nordic-model/
about 2 hours ago report
Rene Oldenburger
Haven't got one
In reply to Meagan Tyler
This is what CATWA stands for:
Our aim is to promote awareness that prostitution is sexual violence against women and bring an end to the sex industry. We are pro-women and support women's struggle for dignity and survival whether they are in or outside the sex industry and we aim to decriminalise the victims of prostitution.
CATWA promotes a recognition that all forms of trafficking and sexual exploitation are an abuse of universal human rights and constitute severe discrimination.
CATWA…
Read more
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
In reply to Meagan Tyler
In regards to the Australian sex industry. i am 1000% sure that the number of happy healthy sex workers outweighs the number of sex trafficking victims and victims within our industry.
The number of sex trafficking victims in Australia is very low. I believe that this is because the sex workers and clients are very quick to report activity like this. As a sex worker i DO NOT ever want another person to be forced to do this job! I would hate for any woman or man to be forced to do ANY job…
Read more
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
oops i think there was a glitch in the Matrix lol
My clients are pretty cool people.
People assume that sex workers will see anyone that comes there way flashing money, this is not true. If you are a jerk i have every right to turn you away. I choose who i see just as much as they choose me.
With the Swedish Model, my nice awesome clients become criminals. They wont be able to book me as often (or at all) due to the fear of being caught and arrested. So then what i must do to pay my rent…
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caroline norma
lecturer, RMIT University
The comment that radical feminists want to 'rescue' prostituted people is a strange one considering the Nordic Model removes any legal sanction on them--they become free to do as they wish. The Model establishes comprehensive and specially tailored services and facilities for people to leave the sex industry if they wish. It forces government to allocate budgetary resources to these exit programs, which include trauma counselling, drug and alcohol rehab, housing and job skills courses. Writing off these important social services as 'rescue' is unfortunate, given the same dismissal could be made of social programs for any group in society.
about 1 hour ago report
Jackie Parker
logged in via Facebook
In reply to caroline norma
I am not a "Prostituted person"... I am a sex worker.
Cheers