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Cleansing the Metropolis: Sex Work and the Politics of Zero Tolerance

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  • Phil Hubbard

    (Department of Geography, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK, P.J.Hubbard@lboro.ac.uk)

Abstract

Although red-light districts have long been characteristic features of Western cities, these spaces are periodically subject to forms of moral cleansing and purification enacted by the state and law. Focusing on central Paris and the West End of London, this paper describes recent 'Zero Tolerance' policies designed to displace sex work from such spaces. Exploring the motives for such actions, the paper argues that policy-makers are seeking to demonstrate their ability to assert moral order by reclaiming red-light districts from sex workers. Simultaneously, it is suggested that this process of 'purification' is intended to maximise the potential for capital accumulation in city centres via the promotion of family-oriented gentrification. The paper concludes by thinking through the implications of this, posing the question: is it right that sex workers are being excluded from our city centres?

Suggested Citation

  • Phil Hubbard, 2004. "Cleansing the Metropolis: Sex Work and the Politics of Zero Tolerance," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 41(9), pages 1687-1702, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:41:y:2004:i:9:p:1687-1702
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098042000243101
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Steven Flusty, 2001. "The Banality of Interdiction: Surveillance, Control and the Displacement of Diversity," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(3), pages 658-664, September.
    2. Andy Merrifield, 2000. "The Dialectics of Dystopia: Disorder and Zero Tolerance in The City," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(2), pages 473-489, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Phil Hubbard, 2012. "Afterword: exiting Amsterdam's red light district," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(1-2), pages 195-201, April.
    2. Gwen Van Eijk, 2010. "Exclusionary Policies are Not Just about the ‘Neoliberal City’: A Critique of Theories of Urban Revanchism and the Case of Rotterdam," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 820-834, December.
    3. Susan G. Blickstein, 2010. "Automobility and the Politics of Bicycling in New York City," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 886-905, December.

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