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Second Wave of Feminism - 1960s-1980s

By the 1980s, rise in feminist activism and a new formation of distinction between human trafficking

and prostitution began to emerge. During this time, many related topics to trafficking in persons were discussed including but not limited to domestic violence, public and private injustices, rape, workplace harassment, etc. (10).

Additionally, Donna Hughes, one of the founders of the academic study and leading researchers

of human trafficking, pointed out that "'Sex trafficking' is a modern term. It was coined during the second wave of the women’s movement in the 1980s, when female activists started protesting the exploitation of women and girls in prostitution and pornography" (11). Particularly during this time, “‘Prostitution’ was stricken from the lexicon and replaced by ‘sex work.’ Similarly, ‘pimp,’ ‘procurer,’ and ‘brothel owner’ were replaced by ‘business owners’ or ‘third-party managers.’ The old terminology suggested that the sex industry was exploitative or worse whereas, according to the new understanding, it is about the right of individuals to make money as they choose" (12).

Retrospective Contemporary Issues

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Decriminalizing Sex Work

Throughout the 1900s in the U.S., efforts from the media, religious groups, social reformers, and

legislation on both domestic and international levels, have established a sense of fear and disgust around the sex industry. This was arguably present at the turn of the twentieth century but made more apparent in the last century. All such efforts and coverage on prostitution and its close association, perhaps even influence, on trafficking in persons (specifically sex trafficking), have led up to the 21st century and current debates. 

The foremost heavily debated subject in contemporary issues related to prostitution and sex

trafficking is the debate over the decriminalization of sex work on a national and/or global scale. Many countries around the world have taken their stances with full criminalization of prostitution and sex work, decriminalization, legalization, or even partial decriminalization approaches. In addition to the legislative and judicial precedents of these decisions, much of the concern has been related to the level of care available for sex workers (13). This includes but is not limited to health care, violence prevention, and legal services. Within all perspectives and debates, questions of power, criminal action against buyers/sellers/both of sexual services, sex workers’ labor, and anti-trafficking efforts are all relevant.

“The Trafficking Problem”

When considering how prostitution contributes to sex trafficking and exploitation of sex workers,

it is important to approach the topic with a holistic and open-minded perspective. Considering other related issues and factors such as gender inequality and stigmas, economic implications and business demand, and especially health services and rights are crucial to understanding the impact any legislation of prostitution and sex work may have on those involved in the trade/business. As noted by Vanwesenbeeck, 

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The ‘truth’ about commercial sex is not absolute, fixed, or static. On the contrary, the sex trade is a variable, dynamic, complex world that is constantly changing and evolving. The ‘truth’ as we know it is continually created and shaped by many different actors on many different levels, not least by the design of narratives around sex work and the implementation of certain policy regimes against the backdrop of changing global contexts, shifting economic relations, and technological developments (14).

Considering its evolving nature, sex work and prostitution have ultimately been looped into the

popularized conversations about human trafficking and anti-trafficking efforts. Vanwesenbeeck also emphasizes the importance of information and statistical accuracy when considering: (1) the number of victims of sex trafficking vs. prostitution, (2) how exploited children are factored into the numbers or percentages, and (3) the amount of effort and money within the media and law enforcement is spent on driving the numbers (15). It is certainly easy to become confused with the amount of factors to consider when looking at prostitution and sex trafficking. However, this only proves the concept and understanding that commercial sex is ever changing. Especially now in a digital age with constant technological advancements, along with new methods to purchase and sell sex, there are real questions as to how legislation and law enforcement are to keep up with the seemingly blurred lines between buyer and seller, between trafficker and victim. Furthermore, the health access for commercial sex workers is becoming a prevalent topic of conversation as both consumerism rise and primarily women within the sex work industry are “increasingly seeking autonomy and independence” (16). 

Conclusion

The commercial sex, prostitution, and even sex trafficking industries are ever changing. If there is a

time to re-evaluate legislation around prostitution and sex work specifically within the U.S., the time is now. It is necessary to acknowledge efforts of countries around the world and their own methods or perspectives of treating the health, safety, or criminalization of prostitutes and sex workers. As commonly mentioned in any anti-human trafficking initiative, the survivor’s perspective should be the ultimate asset and learning opportunity for those involved. Similarly, if any country is to decide on policy/law and healthcare access for prostitutes or sex workers, those within the trade should be considered not as enemies or criminals to be dealt with, but partners in finding a mutually-beneficial solution.