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On the economic determinants of prostitution: marriage compensation and unilateral divorce in U.S. states

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  • Riccardo Ciacci

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas)

Abstract

Understanding the determinants of prostitution is key to regulate it. This paper studies the hypothesis that marriage conditions are an economic determinant of female prostitution. I exploit differences in the timing of entry into force of divorce laws across U.S. states to explore the effect of such laws on arrests of female prostitutes. Using a difference-in-difference design, I find that unilateral divorce leads to a reduction of female arrested prostitutes between 5–10%. Results are consistent with the notion that improving marriage opportunities can be a powerful force to deter entry into prostitution for a subset of the population who is inframarginal. Lack of alternatives are key to explain the choice to conduct this activity. To this extent, this work is part of a broader research agenda hinting at improvements in gender equality as a mean for tapering off female prostitution.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Ciacci, 2023. "On the economic determinants of prostitution: marriage compensation and unilateral divorce in U.S. states," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 21(3), pages 941-1017, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:21:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s11150-022-09643-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-022-09643-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Prostitution; unilateral divorce; difference-in-difference; marriage compensation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K15 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Civil Law; Common Law
    • K36 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Family and Personal Law

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