Moving through the margins : an analysis of mobility and interaction in the sex trade of St. John’s, Newfoundland, 1893-1911

Abstract

This thesis examines the historical sex trade between 1893 to 1911 in St. John’s, Newfoundland using court and prison records. These records reveal a decline in arrests for prostitution and brothel-keeping due to changing legal terminology, reflecting societal shifts in the Edwardian Era. Mapping the distribution of sex workers' residences shows concentration in working-class neighborhoods, indicating economic necessity. However, sex workers were active agents in their financial security, choosing their profession over limited alternatives like the poorhouse or factory work. Understanding sex workers beyond their trade, as active members of their communities, is vital. This research sheds light on a crucial period in St. John’s history and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the lives and experiences of historical sex workers.