Sex for work: How policy affects sexual labour, an argument for labour legitimacy and social change

This dissertation examines the implications of federal legislation for sex workers' labour rights in order to make recommendations for labour legitimacy and social change. Specifically, the chapters look at four key areas: the historic trends and current framework of the sex work-related sections of the Criminal Code of Canada (namely, s. 210, 211, 212, 213); variations in the regulation of sex work through an international policy comparison of Sweden, the Netherlands, and New Zealand; the potential for sex work labour organizing and industry-wide labour improvements; and the possibility of alternative policy frameworks for Canada's sex industry, specifically decriminalization. The dissertation concludes with a 5-point action plan that focuses on the necessity of a reconceptualization of sex work and sexual labour, the fundamental importance of decriminalization, the implementation of sex worker created health and safety guidelines for the sex industry, social and government support for sex workers unionization and association building, and the cessation of mandatory and excessive licensing schemes.;In an effort to build bridges and dismantle barriers between sex workers and feminist researchers, the methodology supported throughout the research process was that of Action Research. As such, sex workers and allies participated in the design of the project, provided feedback throughout the writing phase, and were involved in the dissemination of the results. A key priority of this dissertation was to shift from researching on sex workers to researching with sex workers. Accordingly, sex workers' expert opinions and narratives about the criminalization of their common work-related activities are central.;Drawing on a mix of texts, policy documents, and in-depth interviews with sex workers and allies from Canada's oldest sex worker run organization, Maggie's: The Toronto Prostitutes' Community Service Project, this dissertation examines the following general questions: What strategies do sex workers employ in struggles for increased labour rights? How can sex workers and allies promote basic labour protections and standards within the industry? How can Canadian policy develop to better support sex workers' rights? How can policy makers better engage with sex working communities in the policy development process? How can sex work research produce policy-relevant outcomes?...