It’s a topic that’s sparked controversy for centuries: whorehouses. Both the practice of prostitution and the brothels which facilitate it have an incredibly long and complicated history, and though many today strive to end it, it remains prevalent in many countries around the world. The following is a comprehensive examination of the background of prostitution and whorehouses, the complexities of today’s illicit and legal brothels, and the relevant current debates and perspectives.
History of Prostitution and Whorehouses
Prostitution has had a presence throughout various societies in history for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations such as Greece, Babylon, Rome, and Egypt, it is assumed that brothels were likely prolific and accepted by society. In many of these cultures, the gods even venerated certain forms of prostitution or sexual services, and the practice was often used as a method of worship.
Moving forward into the advancing centuries, there is evidence of prostitution and whorehouses alongside understandable disapproval of the trade in the Middle Ages, as well as during the Renaissance. In the 1600s, cities such as London and Amsterdam hosted significant numbers of brothels, reportedly run by powerful women referred to as “madams” who gained social status and economic power because of the business. In the 1700s, Paris was the epicenter of the hooker industry, with several powerful brothels and madams crafting their own brands and networks.
By the time the 19th century had rolled around, attitudes towards sex-work had become decidedly more harsh. Across Europe and the United States, prostitution was first criminalized or restricted, then completely outlawed entirely. Whorehouses were shut down and sex-workers were censored by law.
Modern Imprint of Prostitution and Whorehouses
Still, despite certain government prohibitions, prostitution and whorehouses have remained present in many communities and countries around the globe. In certain countries in Europe, prostitution is completely legal, with registered establishments or managed brothels. In some cities in the United States, prostitution (albeit in a strictly regulated form) has been decriminalized or partially legalized.
At the same time, across the world, there still remain vast underground networks of illicit prostitution — women and men who are not legally registered or who operate in dangerous and uncontrolled environments. Victims of prostitution can be found subject to human trafficking, abuse, and other forms of mistreatment in these prohibited situations.
Relevant Debates and Perspectives
Currently, government and social attitudes towards prostitution and whorehouses vary widely across the world, though militia groups and religious groups in many places are often strongly opposed to its legal practice. The overall debate typically centers around the moral aspects as some advocate for an end to the sex-trade, while many others argue for more liberal policies and improved protection of the workers.
In addition, there’s a great divide in opinion about the women and men performing the prostitution itself; while there are those who ignore underlying socioeconomic causes and perceive sex-workers as deeply immoral people, there are those who approach the sex-trade with sympathy and understanding, recognizing the lack of economic opportunity and personal choice at hand.
While the amount of negative and positive discussion surrounding whorehouses is immense, it’s important to remember that prostitution is a complex industry often rooted in some form of unresolved distress. Whether it’s viewed as a degrading business or as a form of liberation, it’s clear that whoremongering will remain part of the landscape for many centuries to come.