Prostitution is a prevalent form of labor throughout the world, legal or not. Debate exists regarding the legalization of sex work of adults, and whether those who participate in and facilitate prostitution should be allowed to do so without legal punishment. In order to properly analyze the issue, prostitution must be clearly defined, and although some may define it differently, prostitution is the act of “attending to the sexual desires of a particular individual (or individuals) with bodily acts in exchange for payment of money” (Zatz 279). Multiple arguments and opinions arise when trying to decide whether the legalization of prostitution as a mainstream form of waged labor would ultimately benefit or harm society. Many consider prostitution
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In opposition the viewpoint that prostitution should be legalized, many do not think it should be integrated into the economy as a legitimate form of waged labor. Some think that because the overwhelming majority of prostitutes are female, it enforces the idea that a woman’s most important asset is sex, and it advocates a patriarchal society. Many also point out that prostitution is not victimless because many women experience abuse in sex work, and legalizing it will not reduce this violence. Also, legalization is not a guarantee that safety measures will be enforced or effective, and sex work may still present the same dangers if it were …show more content…
In the article, “The Work of Sex Work: Elite Prostitutes’ Vocational Orientations and Experiences,” one prostitute described her experience working at a dry cleaning business. She explained that it entailed “real degradation and humiliation” (Lucas 521) because of the perpetually unhappy customers, the multitude of complaints, scolding, and the unsupportive staff. She claimed that none of her prostitution clients were that disgusting, and sex work was much more tolerable and well-paid (Lucas 522).
Another woman who was interviewed explained how entering prostitution empowered her after dealing with an abusive boyfriend who had raped her. She said, “It changed my life… because I learned that I could have power in a relationship” (Lucas 518). In this way, prostitution was not just about money for her, but it was about building her own confidence. Many sex work advocates explain that the job has other benefits by allowing women to assert their own
In opposition the viewpoint that prostitution should be legalized, many do not think it should be integrated into the economy as a legitimate form of waged labor. Some think that because the overwhelming majority of prostitutes are female, it enforces the idea that a woman’s most important asset is sex, and it advocates a patriarchal society. Many also point out that prostitution is not victimless because many women experience abuse in sex work, and legalizing it will not reduce this violence. Also, legalization is not a guarantee that safety measures will be enforced or effective, and sex work may still present the same dangers if it were …show more content…
In the article, “The Work of Sex Work: Elite Prostitutes’ Vocational Orientations and Experiences,” one prostitute described her experience working at a dry cleaning business. She explained that it entailed “real degradation and humiliation” (Lucas 521) because of the perpetually unhappy customers, the multitude of complaints, scolding, and the unsupportive staff. She claimed that none of her prostitution clients were that disgusting, and sex work was much more tolerable and well-paid (Lucas 522).
Another woman who was interviewed explained how entering prostitution empowered her after dealing with an abusive boyfriend who had raped her. She said, “It changed my life… because I learned that I could have power in a relationship” (Lucas 518). In this way, prostitution was not just about money for her, but it was about building her own confidence. Many sex work advocates explain that the job has other benefits by allowing women to assert their own