Development of Prostitution - Essay Example

s “profession” vary greatly among those involved, the most common of which relate to poverty and destitution, although according to an unnamed Google-sponsored informative website (2010), other reasons such as a desire for drugs and/or alcohol, also exist. Despite its controversial nature, it is sometimes pondered whether its legalization would do greater harm than good. Thus, this article aims to discuss the pros and cons if ever prostitution were to be legalized, and to come up with a stand.

Asia, America, Europe, wherever one goes, a very much active sex industry is sure to exist. Most industrialized nations have cities with their own red-light district, complete with clubs with neon signs, where those interested can experience a close encounter of the carnal kind. But regardless of where it occurs, prostitution is an issue worthy of note. Where it started, why it goes on, and why anyone would be drawn to it in the first place are just some questions people ask pertaining to this subject.

An article by Iris Hickenbottom (2002) states that this particular trade dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, emerging in Victorian-era America in the middle of the 19th century. Public perception of the sex industry and of prostitutes in general varied greatly within this period, ranging from understanding and sympathy to indifference and finally to flat, outright rejection. While they had hitherto been thought of as life-draining demons in human guise, early feminists instead viewed them as victims of a male-dominated society – a viewpoint which slowly but surely altered the status of women all over.

The same site goes on to note Dr. William Sanger, whose research on the topic was highly regarded due to being both accurate and detailed. Among the most important things he discovered was the general profile of a prostitute: they were said to mostly be in their late teens or early adulthood, and usually came from a background of poverty and illiteracy. Since at the time,