Prostitution in Twentieth-Century Europe

This book explores prostitution in Europe in the 20th century, focusing on the historical experiences of different countries, from Italy to the USSR, and the international stage of the United Nations. It challenges the dominant approach of state-regulated prostitution and examines the shifts in state, administrative, and policing practices after the abolition of state-regulated prostitution in the second half of the 20th century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 245 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of European history in the twentieth century, placing prostitution at its very core. Spanning a vast geographical expanse, from Italy to the USSR, Sweden, Germany, occupied Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia, as well as the global stage of the United Nations, it fosters a comparative lens that challenges, deconstructs, and reimagines the boundaries between Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern European historical experiences.

Rather than solely focusing on state-regulated prostitution, which prevailed in Europe during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, this book broadens its scope to encompass the decades that followed the abolition of such regulations. It delves into the ruptures and continuities in state, administrative, and policing practices that emerged after the widespread legal toleration of commercial sex came to an end. The book's diverse chronology expands the boundaries of existing historiography, exploring how states grappled with understanding and exerting control over the commercial sex industry in the wake of the profound social, economic, and political upheaval of the Second World War.

The nine chapters within this book were originally published as a special issue of "European Review of History," showcasing the depth and richness of the scholarship on this topic. Each chapter offers a unique perspective, shedding light on the complex interplay between state, society, and the sex industry across different European regions and contexts. From the policing practices in Germany to the medical examinations in France, and from the legal frameworks in Italy to the international negotiations at the United Nations, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical developments that shaped the regulation and control of prostitution in Europe during the twentieth century.

By examining the intersections of politics, society, and gender, this book offers valuable insights into the social, cultural, and economic dynamics that shaped the lives of sex workers and their clients. It challenges traditional narratives and stereotypes, revealing the complex and multifaceted nature of the commercial sex industry and its impact on individuals, communities, and the broader society. Through its comparative approach, this book encourages readers to explore the nuances and complexities of European history, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032458502