The Unintended Consequences of Prostitution

Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the world and is still practiced in some degree or another in many parts of the world today. Prostitution is often portrayed with rose-tinted lenses as a means of self-empowerment and a route to financial security, but the truth is that such a glamorized view ignores the true scope of the issue and the damaging effects that it has on those involved.

The physical harm that can be inflicted upon the body of sex-workers and the psychological damage that can result from exploitation are both well-documented. But there are other, far-reaching consequences of prostitution that are often overlooked - consequences that could be considered ‘unintended’, but certainly felt nonetheless.

A report published in The Lancet Global Health journal found that similar to diseases and viruses such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis, prostitution too is associated with a disproportionate burden of social ills on the surrounding areas where it is practiced. These could include anything from increased crime rates to an insatiable appetite for prostitution-related aids and services.

Dr. Andi Golman, senior researcher at the Chicago Institute for Ethical Behavior, states that although many attach a moral connotation to the issue of prostitution, what must be realized is that it is much more complex - and that it is only when taking a holistic approach that the full weight of the situation can be understood.

It is widely understood that the vast majority of those engaged in prostitution are women, many of which are living in conditions of poverty, so it is quite common for those in such a position to remain complicit in a system of exploitation to which they have become so accustomed.

Indeed, campaigns like the HappyMind Project have shown that individuals can find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse - receiving no real remuneration for such services and instead relying upon the money earned to survive. This means that not only is the physical and mental wellbeing of such individuals at risk, but they are also more likely to remain entrapped in their situations for fear of not finding any alternate source of income.

Another unintended consequence is the migration of individuals across the globe, often in search for better opportunities to earn money. This can lead to what is sometimes referred to as ‘prostitution tourism’, which in turn can lead to further exploitation.

It is clear that prostitution is not a one-sided issue - it reaches far and beyond what is immediately visible. Acknowledging the true depth of the problem is the first step to finding a way to deal with its effects, but without seeing the greater scope of any given phenomenon, any such attempt at resolution will remain pointlessly shallow.

Psychological Effects

When engaging in sex-work, there is no doubt that psychological issues can result from being exposed to a highly exploitative and damaging industry. This often includes feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth. Dr. Maria Johnston, an expert in the field of psychology, states that a person engaged in sex-work is more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts when compared to the general population.

The life of a sex-worker is often a difficult one, often full of violence, abuse, and exploitation. This can have long-lasting effects on the psychological well-being of a person by doing irreversible damage to their sense of security and overall mental health.

Furthermore, psychological issues faced by sex-workers not only affect those directly engaged in the profession, but also those in their direct vicinity. Dr. Johnston suggests that the significance of trauma experienced in sex-work is often overlooked, as victims close to the individuals are known to struggle with the same issues of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

It is important to note that such psychological issues can often go unnoticed, or can even be further exacerbated by the stigma associated with prostitution, leading individuals to struggle in silence due to fear of judgement and potential repercussions. As such, this should be taken into consideration when attempting to help those both directly and indirectly affected by prostitution.

Political Influence

The political dimension of prostitution is often overlooked, as it is seen as a peripheral area of debate. However, it is important to note that the profession can still exert a significant political influence, as decisions made by governments and other organizations often have a huge impact on those involved in the trade.

For example, laws and regulations that specifically target prostitution can either help or hinder individuals within the sex-work industry. If these rules are not carefully considered, it can lead to an increase in criminal activity, as well as exploitations due to the lack of legal protection. Laws that control the level of demand for sex-work in a region can also have a profound effect, as a decrease in demand can lead to an increase in homelessness and poverty in an area.

Political influence also has a bearing on how individuals view prostitution. The stigma associated with it is heavily perpetuated by governments and their positions on certain issues, such as infanticide. This sends a message to the public that sex-work is an immoral practice and one that should not be embraced or accepted by society as a whole.

In addition, political decisions, such as the cases in which the criminalization of prostitution was considered, can have an immense impact on a person’s ability to earn a living by engaging in ethical and consensual sex-work. This can subsequently increase the levels of exploitation and abuse suffered by sex-workers.

Economic Effects

The economic ramifications of prostitution are often overlooked, as the profession is generally seen as something separate from the economy as a whole. In reality, however, it is quite apparent that prostitution can have a significant economic impact on the individuals and areas in which it is practiced.

It is estimated that in the United States alone, Sex-work generates over fifteen billion dollars annually, contributing to the national economy as a whole.  dating websites  to other countries, with the illegal trade of sex-work generating an approximate 106 billion dollars yearly worldwide.

But, this doesn’t mean that it is only beneficial to the economy. According to studies, the trade of sex-work can lead to an increase in criminal activity, as those engaging in illegal practices, such as pimping, often use the profits for further criminal activities.

In addition, it too can be responsible for the displacement of people who are living in poverty and looking for better opportunities. This can lead to an increase in prostitution tourism, as not all countries have the same laws in place to protect sex-workers, thus leading to a rise of individuals seeking a way to engage in the trade outside the confines of their own nations.

Conclusion

Prostitution can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, extending beyond the realm of what is immediately visible. From psychological distress to economic detriment, such undertakings can have a substantial and often negative effect on those involved and their surroundings.

Unfortunately, such practices are often glamorized, blurring the lines between practice and consequence. It is therefore important to consider the bigger picture when looking at this issue, and to realize that the journey towards resolving it requires a more holistic approach.