Prostitution Laws and Sex Trafficking: A Market Approach

Abstract: Policy making concerning prostitution is an element of ongoing processes in Europe. Recent changing in laws shed light on the double targets of the policies, they not only regulate economic activities of a discussed moral value, but they also attempt to contract sex trafficking illegal markets. Research is housing debates concerning the actual relationship occurring between prostitution laws and sex trafficking markets. The lack of data due to the illegal aspect of sex trafficking markets making them part of the shadow economy are however preventing from implementing solid arguments. This study proposes to approach sex trafficking as an illegal market, and suggest an analysis of its relationship with prostitution laws. The use of qualitative and quantitative data is implemented through a cross-country comparison in order to suggest additional elements of influence concerning sex trafficking markets. The main findings suggest that the relationship between prostitution laws and sex trafficking is occurring through not only the legal frame concerning prostitution but also through the implementation and upholding of the law.