Women Are Sold Into Slavery Sociology Essay Example
Women Are Sold Into Slavery Sociology Essay Example

Women Are Sold Into Slavery Sociology Essay Example

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  • Pages: 12 (3061 words)
  • Published: September 14, 2017
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Every day, adult females are coerced into bondage by men they love or someone familiar to them, in exchange for money. It is astonishing how the value of money outweighs the worth of a human life. Prostitution is often seen as an occupation where women participate in the sex industry. These women provide this service either because they desire financial gain or aspire to achieve certain levels of prosperity. Despite being immoral and illegal, prostitution remains a prevalent global crime that leads many women to engage in it for various reasons. However, these individuals often fail to realize the significant impact it can have on their health and its contribution to the widespread transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

The reality surrounding sex trafficking is harsh for countless women worldwide, with many incidents remaining hidden from public view due to its illicit nature. It is crucial not

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to perceive those who have fallen victim to trafficking solely as passive individuals manipulated by others within their circumstances. Instead, they should be recognized as human agents who frequently strive towards reclaiming control over their lives. Consequently, understanding the severity of this issue becomes challenging yet essential.The act of prostitution entails individuals offering their bodies for sexual encounters without emotional attachment, in exchange for money or gifts. This practice is commonly referred to as prostitution and often involves women being coerced into the profession through a method known as white bondage. In urban areas, vulnerable young women are often targeted by persuasive individuals and forcibly taken to brothels. The prevalence of poverty and unemployment has contributed to the widespread occurrence of prostitution.Women have been lured with promises of job opportunities

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in cities or abroad, only to be coerced into working as prostitutes. According to The Hunger Project, more than 1.3 million people in developing nations survive on $1.25 or less per day. Prostitution is often viewed through a moral lens, with some considering it a grave sin for women to sell their bodies, while others see it as a means of earning a living since men are willing to pay for it. Some argue that men should exercise moral self-control and reserve sex for marriage, while others contend that it is natural for unmarried individuals or those away from home to seek sexual encounters with prostitutes. Throughout human history, prostitution has been documented and can be traced back to 4000 B.C., indicating that wherever there was currency or goods being exchanged, there existed the exchange of sexual services through bartering. In the sex industry, various terms and definitions are utilized to describe individuals involved. Typically, an "adult woman willingly exchanging sexual services for money" is referred to as a prostitute. This industry encompasses occupations such as lap dancers, adult actors, and "call girls," all falling under the umbrella of prostitution. However, those employed in this field prefer not to be labeled as prostitutes due to negative connotations associated with the term. Instead, they identify themselves as "sex workers" in order to legitimize their profession.
The term "sex work" was coined by sex workers themselves to redefine commercial sex as a legitimate form of employment for both men and women (Lynne, 1998). The sex industry encompasses various occupations, including strippers, masseurs or masseuses, telephone sex operators, receptionists (amahs), and others involved in the sale of sexual services.

There is also the widespread use of the term "pimp" to describe individuals who profit from prostitution. Pimps act as agents for prostitutes and earn a portion of their earnings through services like advertising and physical protection. Conversely, a brothel manager is commonly referred to as a 'madam' instead of being called a procurer. However, the relationship between pimps/madams and prostitutes can often be abusive and possessive. These individuals employ tactics such as psychological manipulation, starvation, rapes/gang rapes, physical abuse, threats against the victim's family, and coercion into drug use against their will.

In certain jurisdictions where prostitution is legal or regulated, brothels serve as venues where individuals exchange money for sexual services provided by prostitutes. In areas where prostitution is prohibited, these establishments may disguise their operations by labeling themselves as massage parlors, bars or strip clubs. The legality of running a brothel varies across different regions; some permit it while others impose regulations or outright bans on its operation.In regulated regions, there are also brothels that operate outside the officially approved system. According to Christine Harcourt, PhD, and Basil Donovan, MD, there are at least 25 categories of sex work based on worksite, client solicitation methods, or sexual practices. These categories can be classified as either 'direct' or 'indirect' forms of prostitution. The earliest recorded mention of prostitution dates back to Sumerian records prior to 4000 BC when a temple-brothel run by Sumerian priests in the city of Uruk was dedicated to the goddess Ishtar and accommodated three classes of women. Within the temple-brothel setting existed three distinct groups engaged in different activities: one focused solely on performing sex rituals within the temple premises;

another entertained visitors who came to the temple; and finally, the third and lowest class had permission to solicit clients in public spaces while residing at the temple itself. Over time, similar types of establishments were believed to exist in various countries including Greece, Rome, India, China, and Japan. These establishments were commonly referred to as "temple" or "sacred" whorehouses but their legality and operation varied depending on the location. Prostitution laws differ from place to place with some areas allowing it while others making it illegal.In areas where prostitution is against the law, certain establishments like massage parlors, bars, or strip clubs may offer sexual services to clients. Even in places where prostitution is legal, there are often restrictions in place. For instance, forced prostitution and involving minors is generally prohibited. Some countries have strict zoning regulations for brothels that restrict them only to designated red-light areas.

Brothels operate using different business models: prostitutes can work as contract workers who share their earnings with the establishment or tip support staff such as cleaners and limo drivers; they usually do not receive benefits or have taxes withheld. Alternatively, prostitutes can be salaried employees who earn a fixed salary along with a portion of client payments while the majority goes to the brothel. Prostitutes typically pay a fee to use the facilities but financial transactions between prostitutes and clients do not involve the owner of the brothel.

Bodyguard bureaus provide a societal service by offering bodyguards to individuals who cannot legally partake in paid sex work or facilitate contracts for sexual services. These bureaus arrange meetings between clients and bodyguards either at the client's location or the bodyguard's

residence. The recruitment of bodyguards often involves placing job advertisements in magazines or newspapers, which is closely monitored by law enforcement targeting visible street prostitution.These agencies specialize in providing bodyguards for males, females, and transgender individuals. The bureau ensures confidentiality and efficient communication by organizing assignments and collecting clients' contact information. Female bodyguards have the choice of working from their own location or visiting clients. Many call girl agencies and independent call girls now use websites as their primary platform for connecting with potential clients. These websites typically feature pictures of women along with details about the sexual services they offer. Some agencies charge higher fees for individuals who have specific preferences, such as twins or former adult film stars.

Streets

Street prostitution refers to the practice of sex workers soliciting clients in public places like street corners or while walking along streets. It can also happen in parks, beaches, and other public areas. Street prostitutes usually dress provocatively and engage in sexual activities with clients in different locations such as the client's car, nearby secluded areas, or rented motel rooms. It is important to note that street prostitution is often illegal even in jurisdictions where other forms of prostitution are allowed. These prostitutes commonly solicit clients at street corners known as "the path" among pimps and fellow prostitutes.The act of serving clients is commonly known as "turning tricks." Street prostitutes, also called "street girls," typically wear revealing clothing regardless of the weather. Their clients are referred to as "tricks" or "Johns." Sexual encounters usually occur in the client's car, on a nearby street, or within a rented room.

Cybersex involves engaging in sexual activities online

through platforms like chat rooms or instant messaging. This can include real-life masturbation and may involve webcams, voice chat systems (e.g., Skype), or online games. Cybersex offers more anonymity compared to phone sex and makes it easier for participants to find partners. It is generally not commercialized and often occurs between individuals who have recently met online.

"Sexting" refers to sending sexually explicit messages or photos primarily using mobile phones. It gained popularity in the early 21st century. A survey conducted by the University of Utah in 2012 revealed that approximately 20% of adolescents aged 14-18 admitted to sending explicit images via cell phone, while nearly twice as many reported receiving such images. Among those who received these images, over 25% admitted to forwarding them. These findings raised questions about previous research conducted at the University of New Hampshire.The victimization of adult females in the prostitution industry is a significant global problem that continues to worsen annually. While some women are fighting for liberation from prostitution, there are institutions advocating for its legalization as a career choice. Poverty is identified as the primary cause behind prostitution, and legalizing it is viewed as a potential solution to poverty.

Research on children and young people involved in prostitution reveals that many enter this profession out of financial desperation, particularly due to difficulties in accessing monetary support after leaving home. Running away from home leaves them struggling to survive, with engaging in prostitution becoming their survival strategy.

Discussion: Brothels can provide shelter for sex workers, making it a preferable option for certain individuals compared to living under a bridge. Research conducted in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland by

the same organization reveals that women may enter into prostitution for various reasons.

Young individuals lacking maturity and judgment may feel compelled to engage in this profession to meet essential life necessities such as attention and shelter without considering the moral consequences. Moreover, children from impoverished families are more likely to resort to drugs as a coping mechanism for their complex psychological and social circumstances.Consequently, young individuals may turn to prostitution as a means of financing their drug habits. According to research published by the Department of Justice in the United Kingdom (2011), Northern Ireland alone has approximately 40 to 100 women involved in prostitution at any given time. The study also emphasizes that one of the main causes of engaging in prostitution is women's financial inability to support themselves. Many individuals from impoverished backgrounds often unknowingly become involved with organized crime groups while seeking employment options, unaware of the consequences associated with entering into prostitution. The text implies that some people resort to this profession as a way of obtaining financial support, whether it is for covering expenses or feeding their drug addiction.

Unfortunately, it is observed that as they earn more money through prostitution, their reliance on drugs only intensifies further underscoring poverty as a significant driving force behind entering into this line of work. The text discusses the reasons why some individuals choose to enter prostitution and explores whether or not the job is demanding. Despite potential economic necessity, many argue that prostitutes prefer this line of work over other forms of employment and may even find pleasure in it.

From an economic standpoint, prostitution can be seen as a way to gain something out

of nothing, similar to how an artist gets paid for their work and enjoys it.The experiences of women as prostitutes are shaped by their disadvantaged social position in capitalist society, influenced by how they respond to economic disadvantages and balance domestic and paid labor responsibilities. Additionally, various constraints and conflicts between genders further contribute to shaping these experiences. The negative impact of laws on this situation is briefly mentioned as a secondary consideration in the text[1]. According to Townsend (1979), poverty rejection or fear can lead women to turn to prostitution. Carol, Julie, and Kathy's experiences serve as examples supporting this perspective. For instance, Carol entered the profession out of financial necessity after being unemployed for a period. She shares how a client expressed interest in her while she was at a friend's house, leading her to make the desperate decision to pursue prostitution. In Carol's view, once someone becomes involved in prostitution during financial struggles, they tend to continue. On the other hand, Julie turned to prostitution because she desired material possessions like a car, a house, and the ability to travel quickly due to limited education and specific skills being seen as the fastest way to earn money.[1]Julie, a former barmaid earning only $3 per night at 18 years old, met an elegantly dressed girl at the club who claimed to earn $100 per week working in a sauna. Initially skeptical, Julie eventually realized that such earnings were possible. Her thoughts about it faded until she came across an advertisement in the Birmingham Mail seeking "attractive, well-spoken pleasant ladies required to train as masseuses." Intrigued by the opportunity, Julie decided to call and

went for an interview. She got hired and stayed.

During her apprenticeship as a hairstylist in Birmingham, Julie encountered an older woman who used to work as a prostitute but had built regular clientele as she settled down in the city. Sometimes clients would request two women or ask for a younger girl. One day, Julie accompanied this woman to meet with a man who wanted a younger girl but he did not touch her.

The issue of prostitution and human trafficking persists in modern China due to high unemployment rates. Many women from rural areas are forced into this line of work due to difficult circumstances they face daily. This problem existed even before Maoist China and has resurfaced under the country's capitalist market system. The law on the protection of women explicitly prohibits prostitution according to Article 37, which includes organizing, forcing, seducing, housing or offering opportunities for women to engage in such activities.Despite legal restrictions, many poor and unemployed women resort to prostitution as a means of providing for themselves and their children (1992). In search of better opportunities, rural women who have lost their jobs may migrate to cities, while others engage in selling themselves due to limited employment options. The practice of selling girls to older unmarried men or widowers has resurfaced in rural areas, with families profiting from this trade. It is estimated that tens of thousands of women are trafficked annually into domestic and sexual bondage. Shockingly, some police officers and government officials are involved in this trade or accept bribes to remain silent about it. Regrettably, many of these women never reappear or return home due to shame. A

1995 New York Times article reported numerous abductions occurring at markets in Xian and other parts of China, as well as bus stops and train stations across the country. Criminals lure victims into captivity before forcefully delivering them to strangers who claim them as wives. Additionally, a study by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children revealed that approximately 25% of young adults have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Alarmingly, between 2010 and 2011 alone, there were 17,727 recorded cases of sexual offenses against children under the age of 16 in England and Wales. Poverty drives prostitution in countries such as China and Thailand; high unemployment rates push women into this profession.Economic factors drive many women from rural areas to reluctantly migrate to cities in search of better job opportunities. In extreme cases, desperate women may even resort to selling their daughters to older men for money. Jennifer Jackson's 2003 research supports these findings, focusing specifically on poverty, abduction, and prostitution in modern China. This situation is similar in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, where prostitution often serves as a means of financial support for individuals and their families.

Prostitution encompasses both young unmarried women and a small group of married women who choose it as their regular profession due to the high income it offers. Becoming a massage girl frequently serves as the first step towards becoming a prostitute in Thailand. According to a 1994 study, seventy percent of massage girls in Thailand come from farming families (Prostitution in Thailand and Southeast Asia).

While sex trafficking receives significant media attention, there are various other ways through which women and girls can be coerced into

prostitution. Regardless of the circumstances or whether they are forced into this profession against their will, the experience has long-lasting impacts on their future prospects. Factors such as economic necessity, limited employment opportunities, procurers, and sellers all contribute to coercing women into sexual slavery.Countries such as Pakistan, India, and Iran, which have conservative and morally strict societies, surprisingly have a disproportionately high number of coerced prostitutes. Engaging in sexual activities with girlfriends can be challenging for men in many cultures, leading them to turn to prostitution as a solution. Once involved in this world, it becomes extremely difficult for women to leave due to various tactics employed by procurers. These tactics include threatening to shame the women's families or penalizing them if they involve the police. Procurers may also use alcohol or drugs to create dependency and control. In countries like Nepal and India where class hierarchies are strong, some women are practically forced into prostitution from a young age by their own mothers; studies show that almost 90% of sex workers' daughters in India end up in the same profession. Therefore, it is crucial for governments, NGOs, and religious communities to unite against the demand for victims of sex trafficking and prostitution. All elements contributing to this demand - buyers, procurers , sellers ,and those supporting the deceptive nature of prostitution - must face penalties so that exploitation of individuals can be reduced. By penalizing the demand for victims, we can eliminate the buying and selling of both adult females and children involved in sex acts.Similarly, the prevention of exploitation by establishments would hinder the recruitment of new victims. Regulations that support states profiting

from the sex industry facilitate the migration of adult females from impoverished regions to more prosperous hubs within this industry.

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