Coordinating research and informing policy in sex work
We have previously written about the need for the sex work research community to influence the overall research agenda to ensure that resources are directed to research that is responsible, responsive to need and that informs public and social policy.
We are acutely aware of a number of problems with sex work research. There are major gaps in our knowledge, much of the scope of the work is disproportionate to reality (e.g. focussing on the relatively small street sector, i.v. drug users and survival sex), and for much of the work it is difficult to comprehend how it could benefit sex workers and others who exchange sex and intimacy. In this way it often entrenches ill-informed social attitudes rather than enlightens them. Academics have been accused, not without some justification, of living in ivory towers, making their reputations off the backs of sex workers, publishing in little-read obscure journals and being irrelevant to the general understanding of the subject. In many cases past lapses of professionalism have created a gulf of mistrust between the sex work community and the academy, and perhaps of most concern, public policy bears little relation to what is known, but is rather driven by moral panic and moral crusade.
The time has come to change, driven not only by realisation of past deficiencies, but by new winds of change in science that stress interdisciplinary co-ordination, transparency, and rapid dissemination of results and their application. The public and legislators have higher expectations of accountability in terms of seeing the results of research translated into real change and benefit in the world in which they live. We also need to be responsive in a timely fashion to new developments, policy initiatives and media reports, to ensure that they are sound.
There is also an ethical obligation for us to ensure that the contributions of subjects in research add to the pool of knowledge and benefit others like themselves. That is why they consented to participate.
One new initiative in terms of changing the way researchers both within and across disciplines interact with each other and with the people that really matter, sex workers, is a series of national and regional knowledge networks, taking advantage of evolving technology, and social media. The latest of these, following on succesful launches in the United Kingdom and Canada, is the US Centre for Sex Work Research and Policy.
An obvious example of the need to provide sound and balanced input is the drive to criminalise the indoor sex market in Rhode Island.
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Great idea
I hope this works as well in the US as it has worked in the UK and Canada. I'm excited to have a new way to connect with others doing research and policy work in the area.
...because public space really matters!
Elizabeth
Agreed, But...
I absolutely agree with you that there is a serious lacking of legitimate, credible research in the area of sex work. And it may well pay dividends in some areas, such as the fields of medicine, sociology, etc.
But those who craft public policy have very rarely shown to be influenced by logic or facts when it comes to anything having to do with any subject involving sex, including sex work. I think even if there were reams of credible information on the subject, we'd still not be any better off than we are right now.
COORDINATING RESEARCH EVIDENCE BASED POLICY
I am writing this in response to an article I read on attempts by your organization to legalize prostitution in R.I. I have some ideas to propose and also questions regarding your research.
I would like to suggest an idea that may give your research more comprehensive and credible results in your study of "sex work. "
I propose that ALL the Researchers and Academic Advocates of "sex work",should employ THEMSELVES as "Sex Workers." This will give REAL VALIDATION to your theories.
Moreover, FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE is ALWAYS determined as being more Credible in Court. and Additionally, your PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS PROSTITUTES would lend enormous impact to your arguments.
My proposal- For at least one month, leave your ATM cards , checks, cash (over $50) and car at home. Check yourself into a low,low,very low cost hotel or brothel and become PROSTITUTES YOURSELVES- gaining real life job experience in sex work. Your Theories will be tested First Hand.-like the theory about "prostitute job satisfaction being great."
Do a study on what constitutes legal consent and what circumstances factor into a person's ability, or inability. to make a legal consent when choosing prostitution as a job, a profession, a means of support.
For example-Could a person's judgement or ability to give legal consent be considered impaired when their decision to chose Prostitution as a "Career Choice" is based on the circumstances of having no money, no job, no education, no family or social support system?Or have you found out yourselves that Prostitution "Job Satisfaction" is so High that any reasonable person would consent to employment at a brothel , or to be an active participant at an illegal sex trade habitat in the inner city.
As far as CHILDREN CONSENTING to sex with an adult -a basic child psychology course and study of child developemental stages will blow that idea back to Hell where it belongs- without dispute!
As a former pychiatric nurse of many years I have seen the DEVASTATION, CONFUSION, AND UNENDING PAIN and TRAUMA brought on to people by the memories of sexual abuse endured when they were children.
Young men and women who's life was RUINED by adults who's sexual preference was for children WITHOUT A CHILDS CONSENT or ABILITY TO REFUSE!
What studies have you done on the correlation of psychiatric and emotional illness, including suicide, with prostitution and childhood sex with adults? I suggest studies at State Psychiatric facilities as well as State Prisons- they are FULL of people who have been sexually used and abused.
What have your QUALITY of LIFE studies on "sex workers" or children subjected to incest or molestation shown.? Do these groups have a Higher QUALITY OF LIFE or ANY QUALITY of Life???
Has your group done any studies on the motivation of PROPONENTS of legalized prostitution and legalized sex with children? Do these proponents themselves have psychological deficiencies that render them impotent with an INABILITY to establish and maintain normal consensual sexual relationships with another adult.?
Is this inability to gain sexual gratification without buying it or forcing it on a minors the real reason your group of HIGHLY EDUCATED PEOPLE advocate legalized prostitution and protection of pedophiles?
Lastly has your group done a study on the pros and cons of life in prison, castration or the death penalty for child molestors? As a mother and grandmother I would be most interested in those studies and possible legislation.
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