'Killing off' the (unbearable) sex worker: prostitution law reform in Ireland. Issue 3 (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Eilís
• Is Part Of: Journal of political power. Volume 12:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 358
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Psychoanalysis -- the state -- sex work -- affective governmentality; Power (Social sciences) -- Periodicals; Power (Philosophy) -- Periodicals; 303.305
• DOI: 10.1080/2158379X.2019.1669259
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2158-379X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article draws on the work of Jessica Benjamin and of Sarah Ahmed to argue that the adoption of a Sex Purchase Ban (SPB) by the Irish state constituted a form of affective governmentality that was derived from a deep psychic discomfort towards the presence of 'errant' female sexuality. The ban, enshrined in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, followed a long campaign by radical feminist activists but also saw, for the first time in Irish history, pro-sex work activism in the form of sex worker organisation.