Human Trafficking vs. Prostitution: Is There a Difference?

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In today’s modern society, prostitution is defined as the act or practice of engaging in promiscuous sexual relations, especially for money. Trafficking can be defined in terms of dealing or trading in something illegal (Merriam-Webster). In many cultures, prostitution is indeed illegal. So, is there a difference? Are there variances that set prostitution and human trafficking apart, or are they just different forms of the same industry?

In order to answer this question, it is important to first understand the histories of both prostitution and human trafficking. Often dubbed “the world’s oldest profession”, prostitution can be found in the records of most major civilizations throughout human history. The first known reference to prostitution comes from the ancient Sumerians, dating back to roughly 2400 B.C. They spoke of prostitution as a religious endeavor, describing how it was used in their temple services. Prostitution began showing up in other societies as time went on. In Greece, they were called pornes. In Asia, they were referred to as orian. In Rome, depending on their registration status, they were either a meretrix or a prostibulae. For a time, this world wide practice of exchanging sexual favors for money was legal in all corners of the globe.

In 590 A.D., however, the King of Spain decided to outlaw the practice in his country. He decided that women who engaged in the practice of prostitution were to be whipped and forced into exile. Soon after, many other countries began implementing their own regulations concerning the governing of prostitution. In 1161, England set up regulations requiring that all those who engaged in the practice of prostitution must be single. England also required that all brot...

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....discovery.com/investigation/prostitution/prostitution-history-04.html>.

"The Campaign to Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking: Fact Sheet: Human Trafficking." Administration for Children and Families. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. .

Jenkins, John Philip. "Prostitution." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. .

Masci, David. "Human Trafficking and Slavery: Are the World's Nations Doing Enough to Stamp It Out?" The CQ Researcher 14.12 (2004): 275-94. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. .

Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. .

PBS. PBS. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. .

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