“Forced to Choose:
Beyond the Voluntary v. Forced Prostitution Dichotomy” - Jo Doezema
The central focus on the piece is making an important distinction between 'forced' and voluntary prostitution. While the piece begins with the seemingly arduous process of lobbying to incorporate the same into a international document, the distinction holds significance. Not only does it carry the weight of a narrative that served as the status quo, but also displays the elite character of the feminist movement. Emphasis on notions of purity and salvation for prostitutes has always ended up further oppressing them, the primary example being the debate around the Trafficking Convention of 1949.
The abolitionist v. regulationist debate has been historically dominated by the former, reflected in the texts of erstwhile conventions. However, the stigma continues both in international organizations as well as the broader feminist movement. This piece was written in 1998. At the time, it must have been an eye-opening account; however in the present day it is a problematic piece. I would replace the terminology of 'prostitute' with 'sex worker' because the former is loaded with a historical taboo. The social purity movements and the perception that people engaging in such work needed to be rescued by white feminists completely disregards their vulnerabilities and needs. The same categorization has been used by Prabha Kotiswaran in “Introduction to Reader on Sex Work”.
The central focus on the piece is making an important distinction between 'forced' and voluntary prostitution. While the piece begins with the seemingly arduous process of lobbying to incorporate the same into a international document, the distinction holds significance. Not only does it carry the weight of a narrative that served as the status quo, but also displays the elite character of the feminist movement. Emphasis on notions of purity and salvation for prostitutes has always ended up further oppressing them, the primary example being the debate around the Trafficking Convention of 1949.
The abolitionist v. regulationist debate has been historically dominated by the former, reflected in the texts of erstwhile conventions. However, the stigma continues both in international organizations as well as the broader feminist movement. This piece was written in 1998. At the time, it must have been an eye-opening account; however in the present day it is a problematic piece. I would replace the terminology of 'prostitute' with 'sex worker' because the former is loaded with a historical taboo. The social purity movements and the perception that people engaging in such work needed to be rescued by white feminists completely disregards their vulnerabilities and needs. The same categorization has been used by Prabha Kotiswaran in “Introduction to Reader on Sex Work”.
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