Does Prostitution Constrain Sex Crimes? - Micro-Evidence from Korea
MAGKS DP No. 21-2015. Marburg
Posted: 23 Jul 2016
Date Written: October 01, 2015
Abstract
This paper investigates empirically whether prostitution reduces sex crimes. Theoretical predictions suggest two contradicting effects: substituting or complementing. By using survey data of sex offenders in Korea, I find that prostitution increases the probability of one committing sex crimes. Also, the experience of buying sex with a minor exacerbates the severity of sex crimes. These results indicate that prostitution intensifies one’s propensities for more violent sexual behaviors, suggesting a complementary relationship between prostitution and sex crimes. The main findings do not alter after accounting for the endogeneity of the model.
Keywords: sex crime; prostitution; complementary effects; substitution effects
JEL Classification: D62; J16; K14; K42
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation