Evaluating Public Attitudes and Arguments for Sex Work Decriminalization: Insights From a Vignette Experiment

While attempts to alter the legal status of sex work have become increasingly common in recent years, there is limited knowledge of public support for decriminalization, and it is unknown which arguments levied in the policy debate resonate most with the public. Using an online survey of 519 U.S. adults, this research investigates whether support for decriminalization varies depending on whether the policy targets sellers, buyers, or third parties, and utilizes a vignette experiment to test six anti-criminalization arguments. Results indicated that arguments focusing on crime victimization and public health are the most convincing, while the social justice argument is the least persuasive. While all arguments were seen as more convincing for decriminalizing sex workers than buyers, there was no difference in support for decriminalization between these groups at baseline. These findings offer insight into public attitudes toward sex work decriminalization and highlight effective strategies for advocacy groups seeking policy reform.