Trey’s Table Episode 255: Race, Regulation, and Sex Work

Trey’s Table Episode 255: Race, Regulation, and Sex Work. Episode 255: Race, Racism, and the Regulation of Prostitution in *Empire of Purity* by Eva Payne** In this week’s episode of *Trey’s Table*, we dive into Eva Payne’s thought-provoking book, *Empire of Purity*, which examines how race and racism have shaped U.S. policies surrounding the regulation of prostitution. This book offers a critical lens through which we can understand the intersections of race, gender, and power in American history. The Historical Context Prostitution in the United States has long been a site of moral, social, and political contention. However, as Payne reveals, the regulation of prostitution was not just about morality or public health—it was deeply intertwined with racial hierarchies and systemic racism. From the late 19th century onward, laws and policies targeting prostitution often disproportionately affected women of color, particularly Black and immigrant women. Payne’s work highlights how these policies were framed as efforts to maintain "purity" and social order, but in reality, they reinforced racial stereotypes and perpetuated inequality. For example, Black women were often depicted as hypersexual and immoral, stereotypes that justified their over-policing and marginalization under these laws. Race and the Moral Panic One of the key themes in *Empire of Purity* is the role of moral panics in shaping public policy. Payne argues that fears about racial mixing and the perceived threat to white supremacy were central to the push for regulating prostitution. These fears were often couched in the language of public health and morality, but they served to control and criminalize communities of color. For instance, during the Progressive Era, anti-prostitution campaigns were often tied to broader efforts to "clean up" cities and enforce racial segregation. Black women, already vulnerable due to systemic racism and economic inequality, were disproportionately targeted by these campaigns. The Legacy of These Policies Payne’s book also explores the long-term consequences of these racially biased policies. The criminalization of prostitution has had lasting impacts on communities of color, contributing to mass incarceration and the stigmatization of Black and Brown women. Even today, the echoes of these policies can be seen in the ways that sex work is policed and regulated. By uncovering this history, *Empire of Purity* challenges us to rethink how we understand the intersections of race, gender, and power in American society. It also raises important questions about how we can address the legacy of these policies and work toward a more just and equitable future. Why This Matters Understanding the racial dimensions of prostitution regulation is crucial for grappling with the broader history of systemic racism in the United States. Payne’s work reminds us that policies are never neutral—they are shaped by the social and cultural contexts in which they arise. By examining these histories, we can better understand the roots of contemporary inequalities and work to dismantle them. --- Call to Action If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to Episode 255 of *Trey’s Table* for a deeper discussion of *Empire of Purity* and its implications. Let us know your thoughts on how race and racism have shaped U.S. policies—both historically and today. Share your insights in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #TreysTable.