Date of Award
Fall 2018
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
Alicia Girgenti-Malone
Abstract
Prostitution is a worldwide phenomenon in which different cultures attempt to control and regulate sex work often with terrible consequences. The purpose of the current study is to examine the opinions of Jordanian citizens living in the United States concerning the legalization of prostitution. To provide a better understanding of prostitution in the Middle East, this research explores the opinions of Jordanian citizens on the legalization of prostitution in the Middle East. The research asks participants about prostitution as it relates to health, victimization, and the marginalization of prostitutes, as well as the ways in which prostitutes lack protection through society’s safety nets. Previous research suggests that positive changes in society’s opinions regarding prostitution can lead to better lives for sex workers, their families, and society in general. Some of the benefits include quality health care, reduction in diseases including STDS, safety from acts of violence and exploitation, as well as the availability of greater legal protections for sex workers. Data were collected using an online survey administered through Qualtrics. The online survey consisted of 20 mostly closed-ended questions. The findings revealed that nearly all of the respondents have negative attitudes about prostitution believing that sex work exploits vulnerable women. In addition, the majority of respondents view prostitutes as immoral, “weak”, and irreligious.
Recommended Citation
Alzoubi, Rana Q., "Should Female Prostitution Be Legalized? An Opinion Survey of Jordanian Citizens Living in the United States" (2018). Criminology Student Work. 2.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/crm_studentpub/2
