In this compelling book, Margaret L. Boittin delves into the complex world of prostitution in China and how it shapes the lives of those involved in it. Through in-depth fieldwork, Boittin provides a fascinating case study of the role of law in everyday life and its impact on female sex workers, street-level police officers, and frontline public health officials. The book offers a unique perspective on the dynamics between society and the state, revealing how the laws that govern sex work affect those on the frontlines. With clear and accessible prose, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in law, state-society relations, China, and sex work.
Winner, 2025 Prize for Best Book on International Law and Social Science, American Society of International Law
Short-listed, 2025 W. Wesley Pue Book Prize, Canadian law and society Association
Winner, 2025 W. Wesley Pue Book Prize, Canadian Law and Society Association
Honorable Mention, 2025 Qualitative and Multi-Method Research Section 37 Giovanni Sartori Book Award, American Political Science Association
‘This is an empirically rich, methodologically innovative, must-read book for anyone interested in sexuality, ethnographic methods, and law and society in China and beyond. Scholars, activists, and policymakers alike will find it accessible and informative. … Essential.’
L. Ma Source: CHOICE
‘This monograph is a significant and insightful contribution to the literature on prostitution regulation, law enforcement, public health and women’s rights. It will be a valuable source for scholars in law, political science, sociology and China studies, as well as for anyone interested in the governance of sex work.’
Anqi Shen Source: China Quarterly
‘Boittin provides a case study of the role of law in Chinese everyday life and its impact on female sex workers, street-level police officers, and frontline public health officials, with a focus on how the laws that govern sex work affect those actors.’
Howard S. Erlanger Source: Law & Social Inquiry
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