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A Theory of Prostitution

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Edlund
  • Evelyn Korn

Abstract

Prostitution is low-skill, labor intensive, female, and well paid. This paper proposes a marriage market explanation to this puzzle. If a prostitute compromises her marriage market prospects, she will have to be compensated for forgone marriage market opportunities. We discuss the link between poverty and prostitution and show that prostitution may decrease with male income if wives and prostitutes are drawn from the same pool of women. We point to the role of male sex ratios, and males in transit, in sustaining high levels of prostitution, and we discuss possible reasons for its low reputation and implications for marriage patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Edlund & Evelyn Korn, 2002. "A Theory of Prostitution," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 110(1), pages 181-214, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpolec:v:110:y:2002:i:1:p:181-214
    DOI: 10.1086/324390
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peracca, Sara & Knodel, John & Saengtienchai, Chanpen, 1998. "Can prostitutes marry? Thai attitudes toward female sex workers," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 255-267, July.
    2. Ramseyer, J Mark, 1991. "Indentured Prostitution in Imperial Japan: Credible Commitments in the Commercial Sex Industry," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 7(1), pages 89-116, Spring.
    3. Richard B. Freeman, 1996. "Why Do So Many Young American Men Commit Crimes and What Might We Do about It?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 10(1), pages 25-42, Winter.
    4. Korn, Evelyn, 2000. "On the Formation of Family Structures," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 105(3-4), pages 357-372, December.
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