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The long shadow of the Iron Curtain for female sex workers in German cities: Border effects and regional differences

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Lindenblatt

    (University of Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Peter Egger

    (CEPR, CESifo, GEP, and WIFO, ETH Zurich (KOF Swiss Economic Institute), Switzerland)

Abstract

This paper assesses determinants of habits and prices about sexual work in Germany. The paper alludes to a regional pattern, in particular, in pricing. This pattern varies with the size of cities and across as well as along the former East–West German border. In particular, the evidence suggests that there is a long shadow of the former Iron Curtain which leads to higher conditional prices in the former East than in the West, in particular, in larger agglomerations such as Berlin. Moreover, there is evidence of habit formation and spillovers within regions, which leads to regionally clustered prices as well as unsafe sex services being offered by sexworkers.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Lindenblatt & Peter Egger, 2017. "The long shadow of the Iron Curtain for female sex workers in German cities: Border effects and regional differences," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(3), pages 649-677, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:54:y:2017:i:3:p:649-677
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098016640655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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