Uneasy Virtue: The Politics of Prostitution and the American Reform Tradition / Edition 2

by Barbara Meil Hobson

Overview

"Barbara M. Hobson . . . makes a compelling case for the reform of prostitution policy in . . . Uneasy Virtue. [This volume] demonstrates an effective analytical approach to understanding public policy and its impact on prostitution policy. . . .Uneasy Virtue proves particularly relevant today as right wing groups begin to guide discourse and influence policy around reproductive rights, sexuality and the future of gender equality. As Hobson proposes, the reform of prostitution polciy must be viewed in the broader context of the political and economic struggles to emancipate women and thereby create a more rational society."—Samuel Suchowlecky, Commentaries

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226345574
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	03/15/1990
Edition description:	1
Pages:	293
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1430L (what's this?)

About the Author

Barbara Meil Hobson is research associate at the Center for the Study of Politics, History, and Culture at the University of Chicago and at the Swedish Center for Working Life.

Table of Contents

Preface, 1990
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Two-Way Mirror
Part I - Policing the City, 1820-1860
1. The Discovery of Prostitution
2. Crime, Justice, and Reform
3. Predator and Prey
Part II - Prostitutes and Their Keepers, 1860-1900
4. Prostitutes
5. Within and Without Prison Walls
Part III - A National Crusade and Its Aftermath, 1900-1930
6. The War on Prostitution
7. Public Enemy Number One
8. The Unadjusted Girl
Part IV - Recent Challenges and Debates, 1970-
9. The Search for Alternatives
Notes
Name Index
Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

This careful analysis of the politics of prostitution in the United States since the early 19th century demonstrates how American policy has swung radically from all-out campaigns against prostitution to sufferance of its existence. One constant has been the rejection of legalization and of official regulation. Hobson contends that the inability of American feminists to change the system is a direct result of their lack of political and economic power. Also included is a comparison of U.S. prostitution policy with approaches in Holland, Germany, and Sweden. One could wish for a less labored style. Still, a well-researched, detailed analysis, recommended for all women's studies collections. Sheila R. Herstein, City Coll. of CUNY Lib.

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