Barbara G. Brents

Professor, Sociology
Expertise: Political Sociology, Social Policy, Gender, Sex Industry, Sexuality

Biography

Barb Brents has spent more than 25 years studying politics, sex and gender. She is considered one of the world’s leading academic experts on the sex industry and Nevada’s legal brothels. Her numerous books and publications use research on sexual commerce to understand the politics of sexuality; the intersections of culture and economics; sexual markets and consumption, and the emotional and bodily labor of selling sex.

Her most recent co-authored book, Paying for Sex in the Digital Age: US and UK Perspectives (Routledge Press, 2020), provides one of the first comprehensive, cross-cultural examinations of the dynamic market for sexual services, an evidence-based look at the multiple factors related to purchasing patterns and demand among clients who have used the internet

As co-author of the book, The State of Sex: Tourism, Sex and Sin in the New American Heartland (Routledge Press, 2010), Brents examines Nevada's brothels and their connection to contemporary tourism. She is also involved in a variety of organizations and projects to promote healthy sexuality and  advocate for the human rights of sex workers.

She is also involved in a variety of organizations and collaborative research projects to promote evidence-based reform to the criminal legal system and prostitution law, promote healthy sexuality, and advocate for sex workers’ human rights.

Her research has been featured in the New York Times, the Chronicle of Higher Education, the Wall Street Journal, Time, Rolling Stone, the Daily Beast, Marketplace, Forbes and Business Week. She is also the author or co-author of publications including "Are Men Who Pay for Sex Sexist? Comparing Client Attitudes on Gender Role Equality in Different Prostitution Markets” in Men and Masculinities, “Violence and Legalized Brothel Prostitution in Nevada” in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence," “The Mainstreaming of the Sex industry: Economic Inclusion and Social Ambivalence” in the Journal of Law & Society and "EXPOsing Men’s Gender-Role Attitudes as Porn Superfans" in Sociological Forum.

Education

  • Ph.D., Sociology, University of Missouri
  • M.A., Sociology, University of Missouri
  • B.A., Journalism, University of Missouri

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Barbara G. Brents In The News

K.N.P.R. News
Nevada is the only state in the country where some form of sex work or prostitution is legal. In counties with fewer than 700,000 people, brothels have been legal since the early 1970s. Some say it's a regulated way to maintain safety for the workers and customers in a world where prostitution will never really disappear, while others say no to prostitution in any form. But today, we're going to look at two aspects of sex work.
Nevada Current
A recent survey of sex workers in Nevada found nearly all lack confidence in the criminal legal system and feel law enforcement doesn’t take sexual assault allegations seriously.
Las Vegas Sun
A symposium this month at 51ԹϺ’s William S. Boyd School of Law highlighted the academic-legislative partnership. The event examined the sex work industry, pathways into the profession and criminalization issues. Though not officially connected to AB 209, several symposium speakers who had assisted Orentlicher in crafting the legislation discussed their contributions.
K.L.A.S. T.V. 8 News Now
Sex work advocates from across the country gathered at 51ԹϺ on Friday to push for changes regarding both state policies and preconceptions of the field.

Articles Featuring Barbara G. Brents

Spooky season at 51ԹϺ (Becca Schwartz\51ԹϺ).
Campus News | November 1, 2023

A collection of news stories focused on research, expert insights, and academic achievement.

Students at Pida Plaza on the first day of classes (Josh Hawkins, 51ԹϺ).
Campus News | September 1, 2023

A roundup of prominent news stories highlighting university pride, research, and community collaboration.

Student playing Jenga
Campus News | September 7, 2021

A collection of news stories highlighting community and perseverance at 51ԹϺ.

Graduates bumping fists
Campus News | June 8, 2021

A collection of news stories highlighting celebration, health, and progress at 51ԹϺ.