Sex for sale : a sociological analysis of female attitudes towards the decriminalisation and regularisation of prostitution in Malta

Abstract

This study focuses on prostitution; how various schools of thought have examined it, the history of prostitution in Malta, as well as what is believed to be the best way forward with regards to the local legal reforms of the said industry. While keeping in mind the diverse experiences of sex workers, this study prioritizes the protection of the individual (which in this case are all women) from being exploited and mistreated whilst working. Through the viewed literature, the decriminalization and regularization of the industry are seen as the right way forward. It not only maximizes the prostitute’s legal protection but also enables them to exercise other key rights (just like every other individual in society), such as health care and retirement pension. Therefore, the core research question of this study is whether Malta should decriminalise and regularise prostitution, or not. Mixed methodological methods is the chosen research design. This is because, the collection and analysis of both qualitative as well as quantitative data ensures that the shortcomings of one type of data collection are somewhat balanced by the strengths of the other. The main aim of qualitative research is to fully understand the social reality of the individual (which in this case is a female ex-prostitute). While, the main aim of quantitative research is the gathering of objective, conclusive answers with regards to the topic at hand. This will be accomplished by searching an online survey in an all women member Facebook Group. From the literature reviewed together with the data gathered, it can be concluded that yes, Malta should decriminalise and regularise the industry.