"For Their Own Good?": Sex work, social control and social workers, a historical perspective

Authors

Stéphanie Wahab, University of Utah

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the social responses to prostitution since the mid 1800s and how the responses of social workers have been shaped by shifting social contexts. Understanding the complex interplay of these forces is key to mapping out the divergent social work practice approaches with sex workers and their influence over time. The article presents three main constructs which have influenced social work responses to sex work; 1) the notion that women needed to be protected for their own good, 2) competing class values and, 3) social control.

Recommended Citation

Wahab, Stéphanie (2002) ""For Their Own Good?": Sex work, social control and social workers, a historical perspective," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 29: Iss. 4, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2847
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol29/iss4/4