5108783 Prostitution

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School

Maseno University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

350

Subject

Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

7

Uploaded by ProfRedPanda1609

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Prostitution 1 Prostitution Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Professor’s Name Course Name Due Date
2 I. History of Prostitution Prostitution has always been a part of human civilization, with historical records dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Historically, people have looked to prostitution to improve their financial situation, social circle, and overall happiness. Throughout the 18th century, prostitution was a major source of income for many women in Europe, and many of these women turned to it as a means of escaping poverty. A development in brothels and other businesses offering sexual services for a fee coincided with the rise of organized prostitution. Throughout the 19th century's industrial revolution, prostitution became one of the most profitable businesses for men and women. The 20th century witnessed a change in how society viewed prostitution. It has evolved from a practical means of improving people's lives to a problem plaguing society. That's why the U.S. government created laws to make prostitution illegal and try to rein in the sector. About the same period, the kidnapping and selling of women into prostitution, known as the "white slave trade," increased in frequency and intensity. Since then, the United Nations and other international groups have worked to end the abuse and exploitation of women in the sex industry. They have policies to support women who have been exploited and prevent further exploitation. Furthermore, numerous countries have passed laws that make prostitution a crime and punish those who engage in it. Legal actions aren't the only thing that organizations are focusing on these days; they're also providing women who've worked in the sex industry with access to education, counselling, and employment. This includes providing resources, including housing, counselling, job training, and financial and legal aid. II. Prostitution in the United States Prostitution is legal only in a small number of counties in Nevada at present. Prostitution is usually considered a misdemeanour offence but can sometimes be treated as a felony in the
3 law. State and local governments routinely regulate and monitor prostitution activities in states where it is legal. Despite being illegal, prostitution makes up a large chunk of the U.S. sex market. Some estimates have the number of individuals employed in the sex industry in the United States at over two million. This includes both prostitutes and others who work in the pornographic industry. Prostitution rates have risen in the United States for several reasons, including poverty, drug abuse, and inadequate access to services like healthcare. Furthermore, there is a high demand for prostitution in the United States because so many individuals are unemployed and unable to support themselves. Since prostitution is so widespread in the U.S., reform is necessary. Prostitution is treated as a major crime by many jurisdictions, and consequently, its offenders face severe punishments. Those caught in prostitution face the possibility of jail time even for a first offence. These punishments are disproportionate to the crime and rarely deter people from engaging in prostitution again. It may be difficult for ex- offenders to find satisfying work because of the negative connotation linked with prostitution. Effectively dealing with prostitution and its victims requires reform. This might include ending criminal penalties for consensual sexual activities between consenting adults, which could mean legalizing prostitution. III. Why is Prostitution Illegal? The idea that prostitution is an unethical and hazardous practice is the foundation for its criminalization. Proponents of criminalizing prostitution contend that it results in the exploitation of weak individuals, such as women and children. Furthermore, they contend that prostitution fuels the spread of STDs, raise the prevalence of drug use, and fuels an upsurge in violent crimes. Despite these defences, no proof making prostitution illegal helps the practice become less common. Given that criminalizing prostitution pushes the industry underground and makes
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4 it more challenging to monitor and regulate, evidence suggests that it may even exacerbate the exploitation of vulnerable people. Prostitution is illegal, although those who oppose it claim that doing so only raises the hazards involved in the activity rather than reducing its prevalence. They refer to the fact that making prostitution illegal makes it more difficult to control and observe. Additionally, they contend that making prostitution illegal might increase the exploitation of helpless individuals since it makes it simpler for those who engage in the practice to take advantage of their clients. Additionally, because persons who engage in prostitution frequently worry that seeking assistance could result in their arrest, criminalizing the practice can make it more difficult for them to get medical care and other health services. In addition to the possible negative effects of criminalizing prostitution, some claim that doing so is ineffectual in resolving the problems it raises. They point out that criminalizing prostitution does nothing to address its underlying causes, which include poverty, injustice, and violence against women. They further contend that criminalizing prostitution does not address the needs of those who engage in the practice, including access to education, job, and healthcare. IV. Alternatives to the Criminalization of Prostitution The development of alternatives to criminalizing prostitution has received more attention in recent years. Decriminalization, legalization, and regulation are some of these substitutes. Decriminalization entails the elimination of criminal sanctions for prostitute activity. As a result, individuals might engage in prostitution without worrying about legal ramifications. To make prostitution legal, rules must be written to safeguard the safety of people who engage in the practice. This would entail the creation of regulations that guarantee the safety and uphold the rights of prostitutes. It would also entail the formulation of rules to control the setting in which prostitution takes place, such as ensuring that brothels are sanitary and secure. Regulation is the
5 process of enacting laws and rules to prevent the exploitation of prostitutes and to guarantee that they are paid fairly and have decent working conditions. This can entail the implementation of worker safety regulations, the setting of minimum pay, and the formation of labor unions. Creating policies to defend the rights of prostitution participants is the most crucial component of reform. This includes creating regulations to ensure the welfare of prostitutes and prevent their exploitation. It also entails the creation of regulations that guarantee workers receive fair pay and working conditions. It would also entail creating rules that guarantee that brothels are hygienic and secure and abide by regional laws and regulations. Last but not least, it would entail creating regulations to ensure those who engage in prostitution are informed of their rights and obligations. All of these steps are required to develop a compassionate reform system that upholds all parties' rights. These options are ultimately intended to lessen the prevalence of exploitation in the sex business and guarantee that people who engage in the practice are treated properly and with respect. V. Summary of the Video The hidden costs of free sex are discussed in the video "Prostitution: The Hidden Cost of Free Sex." At the outset, it demonstrates how widespread social acceptance of prostitution is due largely to media portrayals of the industry as glamorous. As the narrator continues, we learn that despite prostitution's reputation as a "victimless crime," it poses risks to the prostitute as well as to others in the community. Problems with one's health, such as STDs, violence, and exploitation, are possible outcomes. In addition, prostitution is linked to substance abuse and a decline in self-esteem. Next, the video focuses on the struggles of prostitutes. It demonstrates how the people who exploit them take advantage of the fact that their victims are typically helpless and desperate. It also addresses the link between prostitution, the exploitation of
6 children, and the rise of human trafficking. It explains how this issue has become a big problem in many countries and how governments and law enforcement have been unable to solve it. The complexity of prostitution and the fact that it is not a "victimless crime" were both brought home effectively by the movie. We saw how it could cause health problems, addiction, and exploitation. The accounts of those involved in prostitution and its aftereffects hit home for me. The media may romanticize prostitution, but the risks and negative outcomes are real for those who partake. It was also fascinating to compare and contrast the approaches used by various nations and the lack of response from governments and law enforcement. This movie provided a wealth of information and clarity on a complex topic. VI. Your Reaction to the Video Prostitution is a huge problem in this country, and after watching this movie, I understand how serious it is. People sometimes dismiss this type of crime as a "victimless crime" and fail to see its impact on others. This movie, however, highlighted the risks involved, including those related to one's health, exploitation, and human trafficking. It broke my heart to see how those who were exploiting them were taking advantage of individuals who were so helpless and needy. The video further emphasized the urgency of doing something about this problem. Governments and law enforcement agencies should do more to safeguard people working in prostitution and prevent them from exploitation. We must take all necessary measures to stop the exploitation and trafficking of people. Further help and options for people impacted by prostitution were also brought to light in this film. Those impacted by this issue must be given the help and support they need, not only the criminals responsible for it. This includes giving resources like counselling and help to find homes and jobs. The risks and perils of prostitution should also be publicized through awareness and education initiatives. People must be aware of potential
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7 dangers and the measures they might take to safeguard themselves. All in all, it was a sobering documentary that served as a reminder of the risks associated with prostitution and the importance of taking all necessary precautions to safeguard people who are vulnerable to its effects. We must do something to prevent this kind of abuse and brutality from happening to anyone else.