Growth of Prostitution Industry - Essay Example

Prostitution The paper examines growth of prostitution industry as a contemporary social issue paying particular attention to the fact that what problem does this issue creates and in what backgrounds. Moreover, the paper suggests the steps, strategies, and basic policies in order to prevent and control prostitution. It also accounts the role of a social worker in eliminating this evil efficiently and effectively. In addition, the paper deals with individualistic, socio-cultural, institutional, and structural explanations to solutions of eradicating prostitution all over the world. It is true that the existence of prostitution dates back to the old times, it has prevailed in one form or another in most of the societies over the years. However, in recent times the problem has reached to such an extent that it is inevitable not to consider it. The issue has turned into an alarming situation in most of the countries across the globe, which in return has forced government authorities to take actions against it (Michael, pp. 50-55). Nonetheless, the fact is no country or government authority has eliminated the evil of procrastination, the only development in this regard is the regulation or controlling of the problem. The practices of prostitution go against the values of humanity, moral ethics, and social conducts. In many of the cases, the practices hold no place in religious circles throughout the world as well. Apart from that, there is a certain dislike and disapproval for such practices in different societal setups as well (Sander, pp. 170-171). The problem has acquired the status of a social reality that no one wishes to accept but cannot neglect as well. A particular school of thought believes that as it is a social reality so the societal setup has selected to accept it, nonetheless the practices and problems of prostitutions violates codes of ethics and morality, serves as a disaster for society, and dishonor religious teachings as well. The dilemma of prostitution has emerged as one of the most problematic situations across the globe. Unfortunately, the issue has a greater range of target audience as it renders significant damage not only to human and humanity, but also to organizations and governments (Dominelli, pp. 65-92). The height of prostitution in any region depends upon certain factors; these factors include the number of prostitutes in the region, their consignment to such practices, the response of society in this regard, strength of link between such practices and other crimes as trafficking and drugs etc, and the position of prostitutes in the society. Such practices render very adverse effects on society. In order to understand completely that why prostitution is a provocative question and alarming problem these days, it is necessary to realize the grounds making this issue problematic. One major concern that makes prostitution a problematic issue is the violation of ethics and moral values. The practices of prostitution are most likely to dishonor the moral and ethical standards of society (Doyle, 2009). Such practices cause irritation to the surrounding people. The prostitutes and their clients disrespect the dignity of the region. The reason behind becoming a prostitute links to morality as well, people having lower consideration for moral values and legal bindings tends to adopt such practices in order to earn easy money and huge fortunes (Sander, pp. 170-171). Another concern of prime significance is the issue of public health and safety with respect to prostitution. The prostitutes are one of the major sources of spreading AIDS in their clients that result in transmission of AIDS virus over a larger portion of society. Such practices do not only causes the spread of AIDS but also takes part in transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases as syphilis, and herpes (Sander, pp. 170-171). Even if these practices involve safety measurements to prevent spreading of sexually transmitted diseases, the viruses tend to spread by other means as well. The condoms, syringes, and other appurtenance left unattended in garbage and grounds are other important sources of disease transfer. Prostitutes to which the sound facilities are not available may use public wash and bathrooms for the purposes of excretion, defecation, and bath. Over the years, due to increase awareness there is a certain downfall in transmissions of diseases by sexual practices. However, the other two sources still serve as the prime promoters of sexually transmitted diseases (Sander, pp. 170-171). There is another chief concern that relates to the personal care and safety of prostitutes. Many a times these practices results in inevitable losses to the prostitutes as well. There is always a potential risk of getting significant damages and harms both physically and psychologically, from different clients (Doyle, 2009). This concern is not only for the prostitutes but for the clients as well. There is a certain possibility that clients would get harm either physically or mentally from such practices. Chances are also present that the procurer for his own good, dishonor or deceit both the clients and the prostitutes. Prostitution being an illegal and unlawful act has no legal support to cover up these losses. In most of the countries around the world, prostitution does not have a legal status. Therefore; the people involved in prostitution industry are least likely to have legal support in case of any mishap or inevitable losses. Like adversity, prostitution never comes with a single problem. It gives rise to conditions that result in a crime-promoting environment. The spillover-effect due to such practices serves as the disaster for peace and calm of society. Researches (Dominelli, pp. 65-92) have showed that prostitution and drug market are usually connected to each other. The rise in prostitution in one region in turn promotes drug markets in that particular area. Researches (Dominelli, pp. 65-92) have also indicated that prostitution and drug markets are closely related with crimes. In fact the two problems bear the seed for another greater problem i.e. crimes. Another significant issue in this regard is the trafficking of prostitutes across the globe. The significant increase in height of procrastination throughout the world results in more trafficking, which is a very serious crime. Once prostitution sets its roots deep in society, there are no barriers to the serious problems and critical issues like drugs market, trafficking, and increased crimes, which are results of this problem (Stark, pp. 86-88). Out of many other problems, there exist economical problems due to prostitution as well. The growth of lawful business seized due to the development of unlawful activities in area where prostitution has strong grounds. Legitimate organization businesses result in losing their customers due to negative impression of the area. Another significant point is the devaluation of property and real estate. This causes an adverse impact on real estate and property businesses of the area where prostitution is flourishing. Another very critical factor creates problem in an area where prostitution is in full swing. There is always a potential risk of integration of law enforcement personnel with unfavorable environment of prostitution, drugs, and crimes (Doyle, 2009). Increase in prostitution shed significant chances for police and law enforcement personnel to get involved in unethical practices. These practices may involve immoral conducts as taking advantages in terms of money or other assets for not enforcing law in the area, giving rise to prostitution. Law enforcement personnel can make unlawful use of their power and position with complete authority, as the people involved in prostitution do not have strong positions to call for the justice (Home Office, 2002). Social workers can play an important role in eliminating the evil of prostitution form society. This involves extended support in moral, psychological, and monetary terms. Social workers develop possibilities and give opportunities to give up prostitution and live a respectable life and enjoy an honorable position in society (Dominelli, pp. 65-92). NGO's and social workers work together with the law enforcement agencies in order to nip the evil in the bud and caring for the life of prostitutes. The role played by a social worker is much more difficult than one usually imagines as the social worker renders contagious and unconditioned courage, aid, and support. Prostitutes who are on drugs as well live in the worst conditions; they work in streets or other cheap, insecure, and unsafe places. Their health conditions are very critical, as the intake of drugs make their bodies lose health (Michael, pp. 56-57). Moreover, their living condition are even worse, only a portion of well-off prostitutes enjoys the necessities of life, it is much difficult for social workers to approach these prostitutes in order to gear the life to the right track. The prime task is to not only fulfill their fundamental necessities; however, also help them keeping their health sound and their own selves safe (Doyle, 2009). In helping out prostitutes with their lives and positions in society, the social workers come across procurers and other personnel involved in prostitution business. Therefore, the hindrance and opposition of these personnel makes the work of a social worker even more difficult as it has to bear all the pressure exerted by opposing people from prostitution business (Stark, pp. 86-88). The social workers thus, have to carry out this harder task of providing moral support and financial aid to prostitutes in every possible manner in order to make them a respectable citizen of society. Moreover, the social workers have to collect enough funds and make it possible that the money does not go waste but for the better future of prostitutes. It is necessary to understand that eradicating this evil from society is not only the responsibility of government and law enforcement agencies but also the responsibility of individuals, groups in a society, semi government and private, organizations and institutions (Home Office, 2002). The reason behind is the fact that if prostitution does not stop, every one would suffer the disastrous consequences. It is thereby, the ethical obligation of every single individual to play its role effectively in order to fight the problem back. The responsibilities of an individual towards the prevention from prostitution are very important as well. The first thing that an individual has to do is to consider prostitutes a human as well. It has to realize that not all of the prostitutes are the wrong people, some people become out of options at times (Michael, pp. 29-45). It is mandatory to consider them human, and extend the moral and financial support as much as one can in order to revive the prostitutes back to normal life. Affection and support towards prostitutes is very necessary in order to help them living a normal life again. The socio-cultural explanation with respect to this industry is the fact that if the prostitutes suffer from closed doors of society, they are never going to stand up as a normal respectable person ever again. The basic grounds behind prostitution are poverty and trafficking, the society should try to overcome the causes of prostitution in order to make improvement in this regard (Stark, pp. 37-41). When there would be no or less input in to the processing of prostitution industry, the output would obviously be significantly less. Social and cultural groups should not boycott the people involved in prostitution business as much as possible in order to realize them what do they not have even if they have huge sum of money. Other important cause behind prostitution is the proclaiming of women rights. In many societies women holds the place of nothing but being a sex object. This thinking gives rise to prostitution in any society at exponential rates. The need of time is to understand and regard both the prostitutes and the other women as human having basic and fundamental rights (Ringdal, pp. 66-67). Development of respect for women in society would result in downfall of prostitution industry. Religious circles can also play an important role in doing good in this regard because almost every religion across the globe condemns prostitution and provides many opportunities for better and respectable living. Institutions and organizations also do have a great role to play in order to make a prostitute-free society. Researches have showed that none of the industries, business organizations, and institutions prefers to have prostitutes working for them. The doors of services are not open to them in most of the prestigious organizations and reputed institutions. This attitude makes the matter even worse. Prostitutes already struggle to make enough money for their living and when they do not get any opportunity, they continue to earn the easy money for the rest of their lives. Government and other organizations should give the prostitutes the changes to make their lives better by providing increased job opportunities (Home Office, 2002). In order to combat the dilemma of prostitution it is necessary to devise legal framework in order to put an immediate control on this industry. However, the imposition of legal rules and principles only would result in nothing but improving the problem. However, in order to eradicate the evil completely it is necessary to government takes a multi step policy along with the exercise of legislature with respect to prostitution (Home Office, 2002). The triple step policy would include devising of proper legal framework in order to decrease the rate of prostitution, imposition of more penalties and charges for people involved in this business and for the people who have made prostitution as the business, and the greater economic growth and prominent societal status for women (Bartley, pp. 48-53). Lack of proper legislature for clients and consumers of sexual practices, and people involved in promoting procrastination would only promote this demand driven industry to develop at rapid rates. The best example is of Sweden, where there are tough charges and penalties, and even incarceration for people who involve in prostitute business (Ringdal, pp. 20-28). There is an immediate need of imposing more tough charges and penalties on the people and groups that involve themselves in human trafficking that result in huge increment in prostitution. The need of time is the devising of effective strategies and designing efficient policies that serve the purpose of nipping evil in the bud. These strategies and policies would therefore target at increasing the employment opportunities and establishing other economic development options for women. These policies should work effectively against the higher rates of unemployment and increased poverty (Weitzer, pp. 32-34). These two factors enforce women to give up living below the poverty line by utilizing the alternative means of making easy money resulting in growth of prostitute industry. This industry does not limit itself to any one region or country but spreads itself all over the world. Therefore, in order to eliminate the problem in every nook and corner across the globe collective consciousness and endeavors should work. Potential countries having powerful economies should establish a platform by conjunctive attempt to make sure that the personal development and growth funded programs should not limit to men only, women should get equal opportunities to come forward and excel by dint of these programs. At the same time, all the countries should target on opening the training and development institutions, and training programs for women and establishing services, in order to support the women being a part of prostitution industry to excel in society as a respectable citizen. Conclusively, the paper has discussed some of the significant aspects of one of the most controversial issues of the contemporary society, prostitution. It is an expectation that the paper will be beneficial for students, teachers, and professionals in better understanding of the topic. Works Cited Bartley, Paula. Prostitution. Routledge, 2000. Dominelli, l. “The power of the powerless: prostitution and reinforcement of submissive femininity.” Sociological review. Volume 34, Issue 1. 1986: 65-92 Doyle, S. Guardian Prostitution, for fun and profit, 2009. Retrieved on January 08, 2010: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/oct/21/superfreakonomics-prostitution-dubner-levitt Home Office. Paying the price: a consultation paper on prostitution, 2002. Retrieved on January 08, 2010: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-paying-the-price/ Michael, S. Street prostitution, 2002. Retrieved on January 08, 2010: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/e05021552.pdf Ringdal, Nils Johan. Love for Sale. Grove Press, 2004. Sanders, T. “The Risks of Street Prostitution: Punters, Police and Protesters.” Urban Studies. Volume. 41, Issue 9, 2004: 170-171. Stark, Christine. Not for Sale. Aakar Books, 2007. Weitzer, Ronald John. Sex for Sale. Routledge, 2000. Read More