A Few Thoughts on Prostitution: “The World’s Oldest Profession”

You have probably heard prostitution referred to as the “the world’s oldest profession,” and in some ways, the idea makes sense. There are references to prostitutes in virtually every culture or society with any type of recorded history. As soon as a civilization began trading and developing wealth, certain members of that civilization would accept goods or money in exchange for sex.

While prostitution, in reality, probably not the oldest profession in the world—farmers, hunters, and shepherds were probably around first—the saying dates back to 1888 when Rudyard Kipling began a story about a prostitute with the sentence, “Lalun is a member of the most ancient profession in the world.” Regardless of its status as “world’s oldest,” prostitution is most certainly one of the most controversial professions, as various cultures have drastically different opinions of sex workers.

Attitudes Change Over Time

Throughout history, civilizations have taken opposing views of prostitutes and the sex trade. In Ancient Greece, for example, prostitutes wore distinctive clothes, paid taxes, and many become very influential within that society. In Ancient Rome, prostitution was legal and widespread, with no attempt to hide such behaviors. During the Middle Ages, the institution was viewed as less than ideal but necessary to protect so-called “innocent” or “respectable” women from the sexual inclinations of medieval young men.

Following the Protestant Reformation and into the Victorian Era, however, social attitudes began to change, as prostitutes were blamed for outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases and other maladies. This attitude began to take hold, and by the 20th Century, many countries and jurisdictions had begun to outlaw the practice.

Laws in Today’s World

Today, prostitution is illegal in much of the world. In countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Mexico, prostitution is legal and regulated by the government. In Brazil, India, and Great Britain, organized brothels are illegal but prostitution is legal. In some countries, it is the act of buying sex—not selling it—that is illegal, while both are illegal in the United States (except for Nevada).

There are also very real concerns regarding human trafficking. Many of the prostitutes in ancient cultures were orphaned children or captured slaves who had little choice regarding their role, but the idea of basic human rights was still taking shape. In many parts of the world today, little has changed in that regard, as young girls—and boys—are often forced into sex work against their will, sometimes after being kidnapped and taken to another country.

Facing Charges?

If you have been arrested and charged with prostitution or solicitation of a prostitute, you could be facing very serious penalties in California. Contact an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney to discuss your options. Call 408-277-0377 for a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2012/03/rush_limbaugh_calls_sandra_fluke_a_prostitute_is_prostitution_really_the_world_s_oldest_profession_.html

In Which Countries Is Prostitution Legal?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sex-dawn/200803/is-prostitution-really-the-oldest-profession