The Oldest Profession in the World

2131 Words5 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The effects of child sex trafficking

The Oldest Profession in the World

Barbara Holland defines prostitution as“…the oldest profession in the world and is the act or practice of engaging in sexual acts.” However, prostitution is not a new concept in current times; it has been around for centuries. Gerdes states that prostitution is the act of two adults entering a room, agreeing on a price, and having sex. Although this profession has grown rapidly throughout times, it is still illegal and costing the U.S. millions to fight. Prostitution creates a world full of crime and violence. It is also encouraging both young and old, typically women, to sell their bodies, which is causing severe health risks to society in the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). Sexually transmitted diseases are various infectious diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual contact. Although society has a variety of viewpoints on the practice of prostitution, it an increasing trend that is detrimental to society. Prostitution has issues regarding legal standpoints on the business, the rapid spread of STD’s throughout the human environment, and the morality issues of the practice.

A Thriving Illegal Business

What would the world be like if we didn’t have any government or laws? The majority of laws today have been around for centuries and are sometimes altered so they can best fit the society and keep everyday life rolling smoothly. Laws create a boundary for human beings to follow and create a social normality. However, some people may think the laws may not apply to them or just break them according to their own free will to achieve something in a different mind set. This can cost the government massive amounts of time and money just...

... middle of paper ...

...emporary Issues Companion: Prostitution. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Mesa County Valley School District. 12 Feb. 2010 .

Gerdes, Louise I. What Are the Causes of Prostitution?. 1st edition. Farmington Hills, Missouri: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Print.

Holland, Barbara. “Prostitution: Should It Be Legal?." Free Essays. 2003. Freeessays.cc, Web. 10 Feb 2010. .

Raymond, Janice G. "Prostitution Should Not Be Legalized." Opposing Viewpoints: Prostitution and Sex Trafficking. Ed. Louise Gerdes. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 12 Feb. 2010.

Show More
Related

  • Women's Prostitution and the Criminal Justice System

    3507 Words  | 8 Pages

    In the following assignment, it is my intention to produce a research report, examining women involved in street prostitution and how they end up entering the criminal justice system. Within the report I will look at three pieces of research, review their main findings, the type of research that was used, and look to identify where I believe further research is required. My reason for choosing women in the criminal justice system is that I have expressed an interest in the criminal justice setting and my elective module is in this area. Anything that I learn from undertaking this assignment will aid my understanding and increase my knowledge base when undertaking my second placement. Prostitution has been defined as: "Prostitution involves the exchange of sexual services, sometimes but by no means exclusively

    Read More

  • Essay On Prostitution

    920 Words  | 2 Pages

    All around present day pop culture, the demonstration of prostitution is regularly seen as questionable concerning many different moral issues. Prostitution could be characterized as "To offer (oneself or another) in sexual intercourse for money,” and is normally given as an underground administration. Although the practice is unlawful in most places,it has been denoted as a "suitable" occupation hotspot for some people throughout the world. Most of the people who do tend to sell themselves to others for money are, for the most part, women. However men do sometime turn the wrong way and end up in the streets confused themselves. Prostitution raises numerous moral issues coming about, because of the corrupting of one's body through offering a sexual administration that is broadly accessible. The typical discussion as to whether this form of “making money” is ethically wrong concentrates on if the corrupting of one's body could really be acknowledged as assault, and if the people who partake in prostitution might be perpetually forced into this calling, whether it be bad circumstances or them just being unwilling to find another occupation.

    Read More

  • Prostitution in Pompeii

    2765 Words  | 6 Pages

    Prostitution, as stated by Flemming, is known as a form of sexual activity, a kind of sexual style or category, and a form of economic activity, a way of making a living through the provisions of certain services, by behaving in accordance with, or falling into such a category (39). This definition, though, is controversial. While conducting research for this project, we found that most topics regarding prostitution and its affiliates were controversial. Each author gave a differing interpretation for the same data. Due to this, our project centered on the female prostitutes, even though there is evidence of male prostitutes.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Legalizing Prostitution

    1697 Words  | 4 Pages

    When it comes to the topic of legalizing prostitution, most of us will readily, agree that prostitution is a human right. Where this agreement usually ends, however, in on the question of prostitution being legalized. Whereas some are convinced that it should be legalized, others maintain that it should remain illegal. I agree that prostitution should be legalized. A point that needs emphasizing since so many people still believe that the government should not interfere with their life choices. Considering that it goes against the 1st Amendment, why shall someone not do as they please. A portion of the United States believe that legalizing prostitution would bring down the percentage of people being raped. It can save kids’ lives that are being forced to be

    Read More

  • Sex Work and the Law: A Critical Analysis of Four Policy Approaches to Adult Prostitution

    1505 Words  | 4 Pages

    Frances, S. (2012). Sex work and the law: A critical analysis of four policy approaches to adult prostitution . Thinking about justice: a book of readings (pp. 190-220). Halifax, N.S.: Fernwood Pub..

    Read More

  • A Case for the Legalization of Prostitution in the United States

    1568 Words  | 4 Pages

    “There is no difference in work in which a women sells her hands, such as a typist, and a work in which a women sells her vagina, as in sex work.” Claims author Lacy Sloan. In today’s society, many people believe that prostitution is an immoral act. It is the world’s oldest profession and because it has been long condemned, sex workers are stigmatized from mainstream society (ProQuest Staff). However, the act of purchasing sex between consenting adults should not be prohibited by the government, but regulated for society's overall best interests. Prostitution is illegal and as a consequence prostitutes are often victims of violence and sexual assault; therefore, prostitution should be legalized and regulated to ensure the safety of sex workers.

    Read More

  • Prostitution in the United States and the World

    1236 Words  | 3 Pages

    Esselstyn, T. (1968). Prostitution in the United States. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 367, 123-135. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://ann.sagepub.com/content/376/1/123.full.pdf+html

    Read More

  • Prostitution in the United States

    1027 Words  | 3 Pages

    Opponents argue that, prostitution has health effects and that is the reason as to why it remains illegal in most parts of the United States. Prostitution has social economic, physical, and a number of mental implications. The prostitutes and their clients are subject to a nu...

    Read More

  • Legalizing Prostitution

    2503 Words  | 6 Pages

    Clemmit, Marcia. “Prostitution Debate.” CQ Press. 18.19 (2008): 435-438. CQ Researcher. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

    Read More

  • The Moral Right...or The Greater Good?

    1192 Words  | 3 Pages

    Sex is a topic that is rarely openly discussed in America. Some would say that is an example of moral decency, others might argue that this is just a prudish mindset we inherited from early puritan settlers. Sex for pay or prostitution, is one concept so at odds with this taboo that it has been declared immoral and illegal. Forty-eight out of fifty states have decided that prostitution should be illegal. On the surface, this widespread ban on prostitution may appear to combat the spread disease and sex slavery, but, upon further inspection, this assertion might not be supported by facts. The creation of a legal and highly-regulated form of prostitution in the United States could help slow the rate at which sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are spread, lower the demand for sex slaves, and improve the quality of life for the prostitutes that already operate in the United States, and should be implemented despite any moral or ethical objections some individuals may have.

    Read More

  • History of Prostitution

    1287 Words  | 3 Pages

    In conclusion, prostitution is said to be the world’s oldest profession. Prostitution has evolved throughout the years and it has caused much controversy cross-culturally and historically and which has many individuals reexamining the logistics of it. It has affected our society in many ways, for it could be looked at as a harmful threat just as a way to get by and pay the bills.

    Read More

  • International Laws of Prostitution

    2482 Words  | 5 Pages

    Prostitution is the occupational service where sexual acts are exchanged for payment. Opinions of prostitution have changed drastically over the course of half a century, and are being debated worldwide. Prostitution is a very controversial topic, however there are claims that legalizing prostitution could create an overall safer environment, not only for the sex workers but the rest of society. There has been many alterations in prostitution laws and enforcement practices in several countries. Many nations have created new laws or intensified existing penalties for prostitution-related offences such as soliciting sex, purchasing sex, or pimping. Some other societies are experimenting with policies that securitize prostitution.The claims proposing these regulations are important because they are directly opposed to both the conventional benefits of prostitution and the specific allegations of anti-prostitution crusaders. In Canada and the UK, the exchange of sex for money is not illegal. However, the activities that go along with prostitution are criminal offences.“In March 2012, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a ban on establishments for the purposes of prostitution, which effectively makes street prostitution illegal. In the US, most jurisdictions, prostitution, solicitation, or agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution are classified as illegal. With the exception of licensed brothels in certain areas in Nevada. In the Netherlands,prostitution was legalized in the mid-1800s but it wasn’t until recently, the 1980s sex work became a legal profession. Restrictions on brothels and pimping were lifted in October 2000 and the industry is now securitized by labour law. Prostitutes are registered as legal workers....

    Read More

  • The Benefits of Legalizing Prostitution

    1172 Words  | 3 Pages

    Prostitution is one of the most controversial subjects in the United States. There are many pros and cons to this subject. Should prostitution be legalized? Or should it stay illegal with no chance of becoming decriminalized? Some researchers confirm that prostitution is indeed the most ancient profession, while others argue with it; however, everybody agrees that trading sex for money has existed for quite a while. Prostitution is still a part of modern society. The fact speaks for itself, as there will always be a demand for the services that it provides, prostitution will exist in some form no matter what.

    Read More

  • Prostitution: Should It Be Legal?

    677 Words  | 2 Pages

    Prostitution is highly controversial, many claiming that the legalization would lead to more prostitution, which would therefore be a larger disgrace to society. Furthermore, an essay written by Janice G. Raymond, titled “Ten Reasons for Not Legalizing Prostitution.” This essay brings down ten legitimate reasons as to why prostitution should not be legalized, citing failed attempts in Australia and the Netherlands. The immoralities of these laws shine when, upon closer examination, the laws regard the prostitutes as mere sexual objects for profit to benefit the economy. However, as these faults are recognized, places like Amsterdam begin to alter their laws regarding prostitutions, making them more strict in an attempt to make prostitution safer. Still, organized and regulated legalized prostitution could lead to world reform in the sex trade.

    Read More

  • Prostitution Should be Legalized

    1770 Words  | 4 Pages

    Second, prostitution is a great health risk to the U.S. because of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A major concern about STDs is the spread of AIDS, which is currently a deadly STD because a cure has not been found for the disease. The transmission of STDs is already on the rise due to many uneducated teenagers having unprotected sex. In addition, most of theses teens are not going to a physician to be screened for STDs. Because of this, many curable STDs are going untreated and being spread throughout a community.

    Read More

More about The Oldest Profession in the World

Open Document