Assignment #1 

This week we are looking into sex work and the many controversies and ethical dilemmas surrounding it. The decriminalization of sex work is currently being discussed around the world. In some countries selling and buying sex remains illegal, while others restrict the selling and/or buying of sex, whereas in some countries sex work is legal.

Most countries in Africa and Asia criminalize sex work. In India, however, sex work is legal but organized activities such as brothels and pimping are illegal. In Europe, sex work is legal in several countries including Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Greece. Other European countries such as Sweden, Northern Ireland, Norway, Iceland, and France criminalize the act of buying sex though selling sex is not illegal. In Oceania, sex work is legal in New Zealand and legality varies by region in Australia. In the Americas, in most of Central and South America sex work is legal. In North America, sex work is legal under Federal Law in Mexico. In Canada, since 2014 it is illegal to purchase or advertise sexual services and illegal to live on the material benefits from sex work. Here in the United States, sex work is illegal in nearly every state due to various State Laws, except for the state of Nevada where in 11 counties sex work is legal.

Questions:    

Does the sex work industry appeal to equal opportunity and equal pay for its workers?

What type of body is most likely to make a profit in the sex work industry? Think about connections to structural oppression such as sexism, racism, ableism, ageism, transphobia, homophobia, and so forth.

Significant research has shown that criminalization is detrimental to sex work. It pushes sex workers away from services and supports and creates a hostile relationship with law enforcement, which leads to a massive under-reporting of sexual violence and exploitation. If sex work is legalized, how to we address systematic oppression to ensure that all sex workers regardless of race, gender, class, ability, age, and sexual identity, are granted the liberties of bodily autonomy, sexual liberation, and economic freedom?

1. You are more than welcome to write additional thoughts or comments in your post, just make sure that you answer the questions. The total word count should be between 100u0 words, though should you want to write more, please do.
2. Assignment #2
3. Watch the film and then write a reflection in which you respond to the following questions:

What did you think of the film?

Name one person or event featured in the film that you found interesting.

Make a connection from this person or event to this weekàlearning.

At the beginning of the film, late pimp Dennis Hof is interviewed. Hof was a great proponent of the legalization of sex work. What are your thoughts about legalizing sex work? What are some potential pros and cons?

What are your thoughts about the ethical dilemma, is a body for sale?

When a body is for sale, what factors influence the price?

• From a societal standpoint, what do you believe are the most pressing issues in ensuring sex workers(ealth, safety, and well-being?
• Any additional thoughts?

Feel free to structure your writing as you see fit. If you want to copy/paste the questions and respond to each underneath that works fine. And if you rather respond to the questions in a short essay format, that works too. Do what feels best for you. The total word count should be a minimum of 250ð0 words and if you want to write more, then please do!

• Assignment #3
• Once you¥ listed to the talk, write a short response in which you answer the following questions:
• What are your thoughts about the 4 models that prohibit sex work?
• Mac raises a question that is often asked in the context of sex work, åll would you want your daughter doing it? and instead urges us to ask, nstead, imagine she is doing it what are your thoughts about this?
• Decriminalization is different than legalization, briefly explain the difference.
• The decriminalization of sex work is supported by several human rights organizations such as the World Health Organization, Human Rights Watch, UNAIDS, Amnesty International and the ACLU. The decriminalization of sex work maximizes sex workers,egal protection and their ability to exercise other key rights, including to justice and health care. What are your thoughts about this?

Any additional thoughts you like to share?