Is It Wrong to Buy Sex?: A Debate

The two authors debate the ethical issues involved in the decision to buy sex, arguing passionately for different conclusions. Holly Lawford-Smith argues that commercial sex is hierarchical and wrong, while Angie Pepper argues that men should be permitted to buy sex from women who freely choose to sell it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The debate over whether it is wrong for a man to buy sex from a woman has been a controversial one for many years. While some argue that commercial sex is inherently hierarchical and that it is wrong to have and perpetuate a market in hierarchical sex, others argue that men should be permitted to buy sex from those women who freely choose to sell it. In this book, Holly Lawford-Smith argues that it is wrong to buy sex from women, while Angie Pepper argues that it is not wrong.

Lawford-Smith argues that commercial sex is quintessentially hierarchical sex, and that it is wrong both to have and to perpetuate a market in hierarchical sex. She argues that men who buy sex from women are perpetuating a system of inequality that benefits men at the expense of women. She also argues that buying sex from women can be harmful to their physical and mental health, as well as to their relationships with men and other women.

Pepper, on the other hand, argues that men are permitted to buy sex from those women who freely choose to sell it. She argues that men have a right to engage in consensual commercial sex exchanges, and that prohibiting men from buying sex from women would violate their rights. She also argues that buying sex from women can be a positive experience for both men and women, as it can provide a source of income and empowerment for women.

While the two authors have different perspectives on the issue, they both argue passionately for their conclusions. Lawford-Smith believes that we should prioritize the interest of all women in securing a society that has achieved equality between the sexes, and that we should make the changes needed to get there, including prohibiting men from buying sex from women. Pepper, on the other hand, believes that we should prioritize the protection of individuals rights to engage in consensual commercial sex exchanges, and that we should strive for gender equality without compromising these rights.

The debate over whether it is wrong for a man to buy sex from a woman is complex and multifaceted. While there are certainly ethical concerns involved in the decision to buy sex, it is important to recognize that there are also different perspectives on the issue. By engaging in philosophical debate on controversial topics, we can better understand the ethical issues involved and develop more nuanced and informed ethical perspectives.

In conclusion, this book provides a lively and constructive exploration of the ethical issues involved in the decision to buy sex. While the two authors have different perspectives on the issue, they both argue passionately for their conclusions, and the book is sure to leave readers with a lot to think about. Whether you agree with Lawford-Smith or Pepper, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ethical implications of commercial sex and the debate over gender equality.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 136 x 217 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367770532