Post by Anthony Coppola
It is fair to say that human trafficking is an issue of security. It threatens ontological security, in that people are taken from their homes to do forced labor and sex; it is a violation of human rights, and may cause food, sanitation, and health issues -- all parts of human security. It is a world-wide phenomenon. But, how is it to be stopped? There are several ways to tackle the issue, but some people may suggest the legalization of prostitution is one of the best. This method can make sense, and perhaps it is worth a shot -- however, I believe legalizing prostitution to end human trafficking, if put into effect, would prove to be counterproductive, by causing more sex trafficking.
It may make sense to legalize prostitution in the United States. After all, there is a demand for sex that will never disappear -- and by perpetuating the illegality of prostitution, ordinary women are less likely to engage in sex for money, causing a void in supply. So, to make up for the insufficient number of “workers,” it can be argued that people are being brought over from impoverished countries. In other words, legalizing prostitution in the United States would legally permit ordinary people to engage in the business, and some will, increasing the supply. By doing this, the need for sex trafficking diminishes.
However, in further economic terms, wouldn’t legalizing prostitution simply just expand the market? The people in charge of sex trafficking, the people who kidnap women and children from poor areas, would continue, even more so.
If marijuana becomes legalized nationally in the United States, then more people will smoke it. This means more marijuana will have to be grown if it is to meet the demand. If prostitution becomes legalized nationally in the United States, then more people, particularly men, will consume it, raising the demand. This means that the supply of prostitutes would have to increase substantially, since the demand would rise arguably much quicker than the supply. Will there be enough ordinary people to meet the demand? Or will sex traffickers find more victims to help meet it?
Above all, legalizing prostitution simply would expand the market as time passes. Over time the equilibrium of supply and demand would increase. The legalization of prostitution would become a dream-come-true and an economic paradise for sex traffickers. This, in my opinion, would set a dangerous precedent.
I find your argument really interesting. I didn't think of legalizing prostitution in terms of supply and demand and I think you are right that most likely, legalizing prostitution would just make sex trafficking worse.
ReplyDeleteBrianna Arnold
I agree that legalizing sex trafficking, would make it worse. I found it interesting that you used supply and demand to justify your argument, it does make sense.
ReplyDeleteChirusha de Mel
I like that you incorporated the economic aspect into your argument. I agree that legalizing prostitution would make sex trafficking worse because I think sex traffickers would find more victims who wouldn't necessarily be able to escape the sex trafficker since their actions would now be considered legal.
ReplyDeletePost by Hedvig Blanco
I like how you were able to incorporate the supply and demand model. I actually commented this on another post, which is interesting. Attacking the demand and criminalizing the buying of their services is essential. If we can hit the demand, then we can hit sex trafficking.
ReplyDelete-Dom Dellamano
Delete