Legalising prostitution as a job description : comparing Malta with the Netherlands

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the sociological, economical and criminological impacts that introducing prostitution as a legitimate job description in Malta would generate. This study primarily uses The Netherlands as a main comparative background model for the scope of this research but multiple countries are used to evaluate the contrast found in legislation. A qualitative approach of in-depth interviews with related professionals is the research method that was chosen for this study. This method gave the research vital information that was not found in books and literature. The conclusions made from this research show that the majority of the interviewees agree that prostitution should be locally regulated but point out the faults in The Netherlands' much tolerating role towards prostitution. On the other hand many of the respondents agreed that brothels and pimps are not ideal as they are the main exploiters of prostitutes. Replies showed lack of empathy towards prostitutes and the victimisation faced in their line of work, at times stating that prostitutes are often not victims but perpetrators. It is safe to assume that the majority of the interviewees were more concerned with the state's economic gain from the earnings made from social contribution of regulated prostitution services than the improvements that would be made on the wellbeing of the prostitute. Almost all participants stated that society would not tolerate such a change due to its immoral outlook on prostitutes and their work. A complimented quantitative approach to this study is suggested to give a more detailed perspective on this.