Place‐based price differentials of prostitution: a case study in Yangon, Myanmar

Abstract

Using data collected on female sex workers (FSWs) in Yangon, Myanmar, we compare the prices of sexual services offered to investigate whether prices are associated with the place where they find clients—after controlling for FSW and client characteristics and types of services provided. Compared with FSWs in brothels, workers who find clients online charge 62 per cent higher prices, while those in massage parlours charge 39 per cent lower prices. In addition, we find evidence that suggests street‐based FSWs earn less than those in brothels. No price differentials are observed among FSWs finding clients in karaoke clubs and in brothels. These findings imply worksites play a vital role in determining the price of sex services in Yangon. We further investigate why these place‐based price differentials arise. We describe the plausible characteristics of the price negotiation process, including the matching process and client information, and discuss how these work to yield place‐based price differentials at various worksites.

Risk attitude, risky behaviour and price determination in the sex market: A case study of Yangon, Myanmar

“…However, their analysis does not include the 'both' category that our study analysed. 10 However, Yamada et al (2022) disaggregated the attractiveness variable into five categories and found a strong positive association between attractiveness and transaction price, consistent with Islam and Smyth (2012). 11 Yamada et al (2022) explores in detail the price differentials according to where FSWs found their clients.…”

“…While the main interest of our analysis is the relationship between risk attitude in FSWs and transaction prices, it is also insightful to go over the coefficients of other factors. Yamada et al (2022) explored in detail other factors associated with transaction prices. First, clients who appear to be over the age of 60 years pay higher prices compared with younger clients.…”

“…Regular clients also seem to pay as much as 30%-50% more compared with other clients. Yamada et al (2022) considered this premium for regular clients to be the result of asymmetric information in the commercial sex market.…”

“…10 10 However, Yamada et al (2022) disaggregated the attractiveness variable into five categories and found a strong positive association between attractiveness and transaction price, consistent with Islam and Smyth (2012). …”

“…11 11 Yamada et al (2022) explores in detail the price differentials according to where FSWs found their clients. …”