Prostitution in Bolivia: An analysis of attitudes and perceptions

Abstract

Perceptions about prostitution in Bolivia are analyzed through a survey conducted in February 2021. The results show that while prostitution is generally viewed as immoral, most people surveyed think that buying and selling sex should be legal. Utilizing least squares and probit regressions, we find that the principal predictors of the morality of the sex industry and on whether it should be legal are gender, attitude toward sex, rape myths, political persuasion, stance on gender equality, and beliefs regarding the size of government. Men and sexual liberals are inclined to view prostitution more favorably, whereas people with politically conservative views, those with strong beliefs in gender equality, and those who favor a bigger role for government tilt in the opposite direction. The main recommendation from these findings is that a national legal framework should be established to formalize the industry.