Public Perception of Brothel Workers

The models of state regulation of brothels examined in this exhibit not only fail to address but often reinforce the negative perceptions the public holds surrounding sex work. State regulation often enables the public to further distance themselves from sex workers. The public wants to believe that they are fundamentally different from people who choose to engage in sex work. In comparing the legalized brothels of nineteenth century Paris and the contemporary brothels of Nevada, Amsterdam, and Tuxtla, it is evident that the public’s perception and treatment of brothel worker’s has not changed much over time.