The History of Prostitution

Paper Summary:

The paper examines how, from prehistoric times until today, prostitution has evolved considerably. Legally, socially, financially and practically, it is a professional dynamic that has responded to the predominant pressures of the day. The paper offers a history of prostitution, particularly taking into consideration issues relating to regulation and legalization.

From the Paper:

"Reproductively, men are more likely to perpetuate their gene pool if they impregnate as many women as possible. Hence the innate desire for casual sex. Conversely, women do not stand to benefit from casual sex with multiple partners because of limited supply of eggs, and the fact that with a nine month gestation, women can bear only one child a year.
Nevertheless, if reproduction is not the primary consideration, women can be moved to share their bodies in exchange for material considerations. And under these circumstances, these women are known as prostitutes. Prostitution can be linked to religious beliefs, family survival, and patriarchal authority. But the principal motivator for prostitutes throughout history was to find independence through the security of income (Guy, 184)."

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