RT Journal Article
T1 Can the legal framework for prostitution influence the acceptability of buying sex?
A1 Escot Mangas, Lorenzo
A1 Belope Nguema, Sabina
A1 Fernández Cornejo, José Andrés
A1 Pozo García, Eva María Del
A1 Castellanos Serrano, Cristina
A1 Cruz Calderón, Selene Fabiola
AB Objectives This article analyzes the extent to which the legal framework for prostitution can influence the moral judgments individuals make about purchasing sex. We hypothesize that the decriminalization of prostitution (versus the criminalization of purchasing sexual services) increases the acceptability of buying sex.Methods To test this hypothesis, we conduct a factorial survey experiment (FSE) for a Spanish sample. Various descriptions (vignettes) of hypothetical scenarios regarding prostitution in Spain were presented to the respondents to elicit them to form judgements about the acceptability of purchasing sexual services (by a man from a woman) in each of these scenarios.Results From the analysis carried out with multilevel models, robust and causal empirical evidence was obtained in favor of this hypothesis. This result was moderated by some of the contextual variables presented in the vignettes and by some personal characteristics of the respondents. Conclusions Different legal approaches to the sex industry can influence attitudes towards purchasing sexual services.
PB Springer
SN 1573-3750
YR 2021
FD 2021
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/99749
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/99749
LA eng
NO Escot, L., Belope-Nguema, S., Fernández-Cornejo, J.A. et al. Can the legal framework for prostitution influence the acceptability of buying sex?. J Exp Criminol 18, 885–909 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-021-09465-y
NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España) 
DS Docta Complutense
RD 26 feb 2026