Regular visitors to the Sideshow know that I'm in favour of a new approach to sex work law, one that doesn't make prostitutes' lives even more unsafe while (usually) letting johns go free. Numerous international studies have repeatedly shown that cracking down on sex work only leaves workers of all ages, races and genders more vulnerable to things like HIV and assault. Whether from misguided concern (sex workers need us to convince them to stop) or uptight morality (sex work is icky and therefore should be hidden), prostitution is still illegal—and therefore very dangerous—in most places in the world.

So, it was a pleasure to stumble upon the blog of Laura Agustin, a sociologist who studies migrant sex workers. Her research is definitely complex, but now that she's put up a set of fascinating photos [Facebook account required] showing glimpses of sex work in different corners of the globe, it's easier for the less learned among us to delve into her various tidbits and arguments.

Here's a sign from a Hong Kong brothel, listing different prices for women of different ethnicities. The Chinese writing offers varying rates for "Gentle Girls from Up North," and, of course, "Innocent Virgins," among others. Some of us might simply sit back and enjoy this delicious stew of prejudice and stereotyping, but Agustin uses it as an opportunity to talk about how the sex industry, like any other business, uses marketing to generate sales.

Pictured above are prostitutes in Yoshiwara, a red-light district in Tokyo from the 17th to 20th centuries. Right -- the oldest profession in the world. But let's keep fighting it. By next year, no hookers, guaranteed.

Female and ladyboy sex workers in Cambodia, where a new anti-trafficking law has increased violence.

In Agustin's words: We all agree that people who are in horrible situations should be helped. The issue is how you help them, and you cannot do it without understanding what they themselves want. Much of her work is about whether sex workers actually hate the sex part of their work or—like so many of us—just want better wages, benefits and conditions.