Receiving money to perform sexual acts has become either a lifestyle choice or a hostile option for prostitutes in the Netherlands, particularly in the city of Amsterdam. Actors involved in legalized prostitution policy are subject to ambiguous impacts that involve social, political, health and economic divisions. Since prostitution was legalized in 2000, Amsterdam has seen a decline in criminal activity, allowing workers to become more independent and providing better working conditions. (Cruz and Iterson, 2013). ). The legalization of prostitution may have helped some of these women escape the trap of pimps or helped them become independent women. It is estimated that there are 20,000 prostitutes in the Netherlands, 40% of the prostitutes working in the city of Amsterdam occupy the 370 or more available storefronts and clubs surrounding the red light district. (Cruz and Iterson, 2013). Amsterdam's Red Light District is a representation of the freedom the city has to offer to natives and tourists alike who explore their curiosity with experiential and recreational activities. However, although the surface may project a false sense of peace, there still exists a black market that tolerates the trafficking of women and illicit income. (Vanderstok, 2010). However, there are many opportunities for research into issues of female prostitution in the Netherlands. The foreground of this research will be based on the types of sex workers and the concern about the level of protection that sex workers are entitled to since the legalization of prostitution. The Netherlands' main goals in legalizing prostitution were to improve the situation. .... middle of paper ......fficking women and children into the illicit sex industries. William and Mary. Retrieved from http://web.wm.edu/so/monitor/issues/14-1/1-carrigg.pdf Cruz, J. and Iterson, S. V. (2013). The audacity of tolerance: a critical analysis of legalized prostitution in the red light district of Amsterdam. Humanity in action. Retrieved from http://www.humanityinaction.org/knowledgebase/312-the-audacity-of-tolerance-a-critical-analysis-of-legalized-prostitution-in-amsterdam-s-red-light-district Karkov, R. (2012). What motivates a prostitute. NordicScience. Retrieved from http://sciencenordic.com/what-drives-prostitute Vanderstok, S. (2010). $ex: The effectiveness of the legalization of prostitution in the Netherlands. National Collegiate Honors Council Student Interdisciplinary Research Panel. Retrieved from http://nchchonors.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Vanderstok-Sammi-Final-Paper.pdf