LET’S TALK ABOUT FREEDOM AND CONSENT - Prostitution in Germany and Sweden

Abstract

This thesis aims to answer the research question How are the national prostitution laws in Germany and Sweden received by actors in the prostitution field. To do this a critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been used as a qualitative method to analyze findings from website content and interviews. This analytical approach helped connect the collected data and critically explore the interplay between the laws and social reality. The results of the analysis showed that German actors were divided in their opinions, some being completely against the law, and some in favor of the law. The Swedish actors were united in their opinions and had a strong positive view of the Swedish law and how it reflects reality. Before conducting the research, it was assumed that the Swedish Sexköpslag is better equipped to offer freedom and consent to those involved in prostitution, than the German ProstG. Therefore, the thesis discussion strives for an in-depth exploration of to what extent prostitution could be seen as a cause for social conflict according to Honneth’s recognition theory. Additionally, the thesis takes interest in feminst scholars’ discussion regarding the concepts of freedom and consent. This is also discussed in the context of the German and Swedish prostitution laws. The discussion showed that the assumption has truth to it.