In order to preserve the integrity of the data base, we only interviewed people we had seen working on several different occasions and who were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of asking. We also took care to ensure that the distinguishing characteristics of those interviewed reflected as much as possible the characteristics of the stroll population in question. The results from such field study samples present a different portrait of prostitution and prostitutes than other sources. In Canada as elsewhere, however, field study estimates indicate that it represents only a small proportion of the market. Crime statistics also imply that women are much more likely than men to be involved in prostitution.
Field studies show that women represent only a very small proportion of the individuals involved.
The tendency to see prostitution as a female crime and prostitutes as female, conceals three important gender differences which are evident in the field studies. Second, male hustlers earn substantially less than do female prostitutes. In all four of our samples they report fewer rapes and fewer beatings than either of the other two groups and are less likely to be arrested for prostitution-related offenses. When they are assaulted, it is more likely to be related to their alleged homosexuality than their involvement in sex work. Even so, findings from all the Justice Department field studies indicate that the extent of pimping is exaggerated.