This essay explores the historical discourse surrounding the connection between the white slave trade and prostitution in Sweden from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Given that earlier studies in Sweden around the white slave trade are limited, this research seeks to examine how these two issues are perceived as related problems within the Swedish context. It focuses on the perspective of two women’s organisations, the Swedish Federation and Vigilance and writings related to the organisations, predominantly from the two publications, Sedlighets-vännen and Dagny. The essay utilises a theoretical mix of discourse theory and Judith Butler’s gender theory, grounded in the concept of gender performativity, to examine power relations and gender expectations that may be showcased in the examined discourse.

The result showcases a slight shift in the descriptive perspective around the white slave trade in Swedish society in the 1900s, as the Swedish Federation describes it as a social evil, while Vigilance deemed it as one of the darkest chapters in their century. Both organisations address the emigration issue in relation to the white slave trade and prostitution but vary in focus as travel safety was important for Vigilance, while the Swedish Federation initially warned against the moral risks of female emigration. As to the relational discourse, the Swedish Federation already linked brothels to the white slave trade in 1899, while Vigilance was initially more cautious in this discussion, but by 1908 both recognised the connection between prostitution and the white slave trade. The result showcases a similar acceptance around the power imbalance that was created by the prostitution laws but showcased a difference in the power relation between women. Vigilance built a sisterhood to the women in need, based on empathy that was created by the idea that no woman chooses a life in prostitution, while the Swedish Federation initially reproduced stigmatized discourses and gender norms. Ultimately, both organizations recognized the need for a unified approach to support women affected by prostitution and the white slave trade.

This historical analysis highlights an early shift away from the stigmatization of sex work and is important for the understanding of feminist discourse on women’s oppression in Sweden.