The Legalization Of Prostitution In The United States

Prostitution, also known as sex work, is a very simple act that comes with innumerable consequences. Prostitution can be defined as a “singular activity which involves a limited set of relationships” (Maynard & Purvis, 1995). A prostitute, on the other hand, is defined in many ways; the most commonly accepted probably being, “A person who engages in sexual activity which is sold ‘in lewdness for payment’” (Scrambler, 1997). For many people, prostitution is not what they have an issue with; instead it is the results of it that prostitutes suffer from, such as HIV/AIDS, violence, human rights abuse, societal isolation, social inequality, etc. Two of the most prominent issues are sexually transmitted diseases and violence against prostitutes. …show more content…
The selling of sex has been around for several decades and the laws regarding the criminalization of it have gone back-and-forth numerous times. In recent years, however, beginning in the early 2000s, brothels as well as prostitution itself have begun being legalized in several European countries. Once slight legalization occurred, it sparked a great deal of talk among multiple different countries in regards to legalizing prostitution. Although there is a large percentage of society not in favor legalization, the proponents for prostitution argue that decriminalization will allow for better working conditions in regards to violence and aid women in feeling safer from extreme violence as they can now involve the