Soc- Prostitution - Grade: A- PDF

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Prostitution and sociology...

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Sociology Views on Prostitution Prostitution dates back to 2400 B.C. and has continued to be a topic of debate, discussion, and interest. Whether it is moral or immoral, legitimate or illegitimate, and fair or unfair. There are many definitions of prostitution one being, the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. This idea therefore has many sociological views on what kind of profession prostitution is. Here are some quoted opinions, “The only way to stop this trafficking in and profiting from the use of women's bodies is for prostitution to be legalized. Legalization will open it up to regulation; and regulation means safety.” JEANNETTE ANGELL, Call girl “Nowhere is woman treated according to the merit of her work, but rather as a sex. It is therefore almost inevitable that she should pay for her right to exist, to keep a position in whatever line, with sex favors. Thus it is merely a question of degree whether she sells herself to one man, in or out of marriage, or to many men!... The economic and social inferiority of woman is responsible for prostitution.” EMMA GOLDMAN, Feminism “Grown men should not be having sex with prostitutes unless they are married to them.” JERRY FALWELL, Crossfire, May 17, 1997 “We say that slavery has vanished from European civilization, but this is not true. Slavery still exists, but now it applies only to women and its name is prostitution.” VICTOR HUGO, Les Misérables

In this paper I will discuss three sociological theories. The theories include the functionalist, feminist, and conflict view on prostitution. The argument that appears more correct is a matter of opinion. The first view is the Functionalist view. This view emphasizes the way that the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability. In this case, If prostitution is universal across all societies what functions does it perform? How does this particular part of society of prostitution help to maintain the structure of society? The functionalists believe prostitution does serve society. There are two main reasons for why a person would want to become a prostitute. The first reason is sexual morality. This means that our sexual morality system, while condemning prostitution, actually and unintentionally encourages it. Our society encourages the belief that sex with a spouse is “meaningful” while sex with a prostitute is “meaningless.” A man looking for meaningless sex will then seek a prostitute. Another reason proposed by the functionalist is the belief that prostitution actually serves to strengthen sexual morality. The sex industry keeps the “respectable” women pure because men can satisfy their immoral sexual desires with prostitution. Additionally prostitution provides a sexual outlet for those who are physically handicapped, poor, mentally handicapped... there are studies that show that the functional view can be supported. In traditional Asian societies where prostitution is prevalent, respectable women are unlikely to be involved in immoral sex acts. On the other hand many western societies where prostitution is less common, respectable women are more likely to engage in immoral sex acts.

The second view is Feminism. In this view women perceive that they have historically been—and still are—victims of both direct and subtle forms of male oppression. Radical Feminists believe that the functionalist theory is nothing more then a proof of our society’s sexist views. In this case they believe that the men partaking in the acts are just as immoral as the prostitutes are. Additionally they add that topic of prostitution is a small part of male domination and how the women are exploited. Feminist also argue that society teaches boys to dominate girls and are expected to continue this behavior into adulthood. On the other hand society teaches girls to be submissive to boys, and to remain that way into adulthood. To prove this the feminist point out that prostitution is more popular in societies in which there is greater gender inequality. Basically, prostitution supports and encourages the idea that women can be bought and are less valuable then men. Some believe that this job gives women the feeling of empowerment, a power they are unable to feel in other jobs due to our patriarchal society. According to liberal feminists, prostitution is but a business transaction that people are free to choose what businesses they would like to pursue. The third theory, the Conflict theory, states that social behavior is best understood in terms of conflict between competing groups. When it comes to prostitution the theory is, while prostitutes are looked down upon and punished for their crimes what about the men? Are they also viewed in the same way as the prostitutes? Men are do not experience the same risk of being punished for their immoral actions as those who are performing or selling the sexual acts. In my opinion each theory is able to argue their point when it comes to prostitution very well. All three theories, the Functionalist, the Feminist and the Conflict theory all argue their point with strong bases. According to the Functionalists prostitution serves as a function to society. While feminists either say its exploiting women and is morally wrong! or from the other side, that, it gives women power. My view would be alongside the Feminists who view prostitution to be wrong and immoral. I think prostitution is not respectful to women. It is a mater of ethics; women should not be exploited and taken advantage or disrespected. I view it as immoral and should not be permitted. These immoral acts should remain a crime and law enforcers should not give tolerance to any of these actions.

Sources

http://www.cjsonline.ca/pdf/trafficking.... Feministissues.com Notablequotes.com Sites.google.com Scribd.com Bostonpheonix.com Sociology Matters Textbook...