Prostitution Policy Reform and the Causal Role of Ideas: A Comparative Study of Policymaking in the Nordic Countries

In: Statsvetenskaplig tidskrift, Volume 110, Issue 1, p. 59-65

Abstract

In recent years, public policies aimed at regulating and combating prostitution have differed significantly in Nordic countries. Among those countries, Sweden is unique in its ban on the purchase -- though not the sale -- of sexual services. With the goal of understanding the reason behind this policy difference, the authors examine the role of ideas in the formulation of public policy and policy changes. In outlining how this works, the authors place ideas in three distinct categories: Policy positions, expert knowledge, and ideational frameworks. In regard to the third category, utilizing the persuasive force of established norms can play a critical role in gaining needed support for the successful adoption of a particular policy. Adapted from the source document.