Legalizing Prostitution

Abstract

In this research we try to discover the insight of “Legalizing Prostitution” in a holistic perspective. The key heart of the study is on “Legalizing Prostitution” and its relation with “”. The research also examines various characteristics of “Prostitution” and tries to measure its effect. Lastly the research illustrates a variety of factors which are responsible for “Legalization of Prostitution” and tries to describe the overall effect of it.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion and Analysis1

Arguments in Support of Legalized Prostitution2

Conclusion5

Legalizing Prostitution

Introduction

The act of prostitution violates the prevalent social norms of most cultures and societies. Prostitution is one particular type of sex work, in which an individual exchanges sex or sexual favors for money, drugs, or other desirable commodities. As one of the world's oldest professions, prostitution can be found across societies worldwide, and is especially prolific in urban areas. This type of work is largely a gendered phenomenon in which women sell and men purchase sex acts. There are different types of prostitutes, including call girls, brothel workers, and street prostitutes, all of whom are affected by the circumstances, environments, and laws in which they work. Some scholars argue that prostitutes are victims because they are exploited by a male-dominated society, while others assert they are empowered individuals who capitalize on their sexuality for gain. In response, a third group claims that the experiences of prostitutes fall along a continuum between these two extremes, depending on personal circumstances and working conditions.

Discussion and Analysis

Prostitution is illegal across the United States, except for certain counties in Nevada, a practice stemming from the Old West days. Currently, there are 28 legalized brothels in operation in Nevada, receiving much public attention for their unique legal status. Prostitution activities are only legal within brothels, and any form of outdoor street prostitution is illegal throughout the state. Examples of two well-known brothels include the Mustang Ranch, near Reno, and the Bunny Ranch, north of Carson City (Weitzer, 2011)..



Due to a loophole, indoor prostitution was legal in Rhode Island for close to 30 years (1980-2009) until a new bill against prostitution was signed into law in 2009. The Rhode Island law specified that activities associated with street prostitution and formalized organizations (brothels), such as street solicitation, pimping, and running a brothel, were criminal acts (Farley, 2003)..

Outside of the United States and United Kingdom, there is great variation of legal policies pertaining to prostitution. Several other countries have very lenient laws on prostitution, and/or the laws on the books are not enforced and prostitution is permitted de facto. The Netherlands is one country where prostitution is legalized. One of the most notorious Dutch cities of legalized prostitution, Amsterdam, allows prostitution to take place in a localized area known as the Red Light District (the Rossebuurt). In this setting, women work indoors, but can stand in windows and solicit customers passing by on the street. The sexual encounters take place indoors and are not visible from the street. Due to their laws, the Netherlands guarantees these workers certain ...