Econ Papers Daily / 期刊论文
进步时代对罪恶的战争：关闭红灯区对公共健康的影响
The Progressive Era War on Vice: Public Health Consequences of Closing Red-Light Districts
摘要
In the late 1800s, city leaders in the United States established red-light districts to contain prostitution. Progressive Era reformers argued these districts harmed public health, prompting their closure in the 1910s. This paper analyzes how closing the red-light districts affected neighborhood composition and public health. I find infant mortality from premature births and congenital defects increased after closure, which is consistent with an increase in congenital syphilis. There was also no increase in homicide deaths, suggesting the districts did not increase crime. These findings suggest the public health concerns raised by reformers were likely overstated.
中文摘要
19世纪末，美国城市领导者设立了红灯区以控制卖淫活动。进步时代改革者认为这些区域损害了公共健康，促使它们在1910年代被关闭。本文分析了关闭红灯区如何影响社区构成与公共健康。我发现，关闭后，因早产和先天缺陷导致的婴儿死亡率上升，这与先天性梅毒增加相符。同时，凶杀死亡并未增加，表明这些区域并未加剧犯罪。这些发现表明，改革者提出的公共健康担忧可能被夸大了。