7.How Society Treats Prostitutes: Still Taboo?

· 5 min read
7.How Society Treats Prostitutes: Still Taboo?



Perspective from History

Prostitution has been part of the social fabric since ancient times, even though there has sometimes been stigma or disapproval attached to it. In the Bible, for example, prostitution was seen as a necessary evil, and for centuries, prostitution served as an accepted taxation revenue source for governments. Up until the 19th century, prostitutes in the western world were generally accepted as part of society, and most countries had laws in place to regulate the profession. In many cases, brothels and other prostitution ‘establishments’ were considered legitimate businesses.  

However, attitudes began to change in the 19th century as a result of the growing awareness of the human cost of prostitution as a result of the high rate of disease and exploitation of young women involved in the trade. This shift in attitude and perspective resulted in the prohibition and ultimate criminalization of prostitution around the world.

Society's Views on Prostitution Today

Despite global efforts to end the sex trade, it remains a persistent and prevalent reality in many parts of the world. As a result, there are still deep-seated attitudes in many societies that view prostitution in a negative light. This is particularly true in the more socially conservative regions of the world, such as the Middle East and parts of Asia.

On the other hand, in countries that are more liberal in their approach to sexuality, prostitution is less taboo and has been able to transition into a form of legitimate work which is often honored with rights and protections, such as those offered by the European Union. Despite this positive development, the overall social perception of prostitution remains largely negative and is often seen as degrading and morally wrong.

In many parts of the world, prostitutes are considered to be outcasts, victims, and undesirables. Prostitutes are often subjected to mistreatment, discrimination, harassment, and even violence from those around them. This is particularly true of female prostitutes, who often face extreme stigmatization.

The Experiences of Prostitutes

The experiences of male and female prostitutes differ significantly, as women are more likely to face discrimination and violence due to patriarchal societal views on gender. Furthermore, women are often seen as objects of sexual exploitation, as opposed to men who are often viewed as perpetrators of such activities.

Additionally, there is also a huge discrepancy in the way that prostitutes are treated in different countries and even in different regions of the same country. This discrepancy is due to a variety of factors, ranging from a country's political history to its religious beliefs.

Regardless of  sex ads  varying relevant social aspects that can influence how prostitutes are treated, they often face a range of adverse experiences, including verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as being subject to police brutality and incarceration.

Rise of Sex Work Activism

In recent years, there has been an increase in activism working to end the social stigma and discrimination against prostitutes. This activism is largely female-led and driven by a rising awareness and understanding of the realities of the sex trade and the human rights abuses associated with it.  

Sex work activists are working to counter the negative stereotypes associated with prostitution, while also advocating for the decriminalization of the profession in order to eliminate the risks associated with it, such as violence and exploitation.

Effect on Mental Health

The stigma and discrimination that many prostitutes face can have devastating effects on their mental health. Prostitutes often struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, as well as fear and anxiety due to the risks associated with their work and their uncertain legal standing in many countries.

In addition, many prostitutes suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as substance abuse problems. These mental health issues can often further serve to perpetuate the cycle of abuse and marginalization that prostitutes often find themselves in.