Prostitution is described as a practice of engaging in sexual relations for payment or benefits. There have been two schools of thoughts on prostitutions in society. Depending on the jurisdiction and community, prostitution can be legal or illegal. A global statistics shows that there are about 42 million prostitutes in the world. Prostitution is frequently viewed as a form of exploitation of or violence against women and children. It helps to create a supply of victims for human trafficking. However, there has not been any empirical examination and data of the effects and causes of this social phenomenon in Liberian society, specifically in the in the Center Street community which is the focus of this term paper. Thus, the purpose of this study is to bridge this gap in the literature by providing knowledge of the effects of prostitution among young girls between ages of 18 to 35 in the targeted community.
The Center Street is a local community situated in central Monrovia, which harbors some of Liberia’s leading and professional prostitutes the country had ever known. A prostitute by definition is one who exchanges sex or sexual favors for money, drugs and other desirable commodities. According to academicians as well as public opinions, there are many reasons why women enter the world of prostitution. While many of these reasons may be important to examine, relatively few capture the experiences of women.
As such, I will argue in this paper, after presenting some of the basic underlying assumptions that are frequently associated with this controversial subject, that some approaches to understanding prostitution are more valid than others. Historically, it appears that prostitution is something that is typically looked down upon and viewed as morally repugnant—something in which only women with low self-esteem and low socioeconomic status participate. This, however, is not always the case. Prostitutes as well as the men who use them come from all walks of life; in fact, some prostitutes make a great deal of money. Many people have difficulty in understanding how individuals end up in the prostitution industry. Similarly, many prostitutes have a difficult time leaving prostitution. This paper will explore a high degree of investigation from those involved as well as feminist perspectives to identify the root or background factors that lead someone into prostitution and its effects on girls’ future.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Study Prostitution?
- Causes of Prostitution
- Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse
- Runaway Teens
- The Economic Factor of Prostitution
- Types of Prostitution
- Forced Prostitution
- Homeless Prostitution
- Streetwalker Prostitution
- Drug-addicted Prostitution
- Overview of the Feminist Theories on Prostitution
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to understand the effects of prostitution on young girls (ages 18-35) in Monrovia's Center Street community, a gap in existing Liberian literature. It explores the factors leading girls into prostitution and analyzes the impact on their futures, utilizing a feminist perspective.
- The causes of prostitution in the Center Street community.
- The different types of prostitution prevalent in the area.
- The impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse on girls entering prostitution.
- The role of economic factors in driving girls to prostitution.
- The application of feminist theories to understand the experiences of female prostitutes.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's focus on prostitution in Monrovia's Center Street community, highlighting the lack of research on this topic in Liberia. It challenges common perceptions of prostitutes and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to their involvement in this profession. The author emphasizes the importance of a feminist perspective to shed light on women's unique experiences and the lasting effects on their lives. The chapter defines prostitution and states the purpose of the study, which is to understand the reasons why women become prostitutes and the impact on their futures.
Why Study Prostitution?: This chapter explores the reasons for undertaking a study on prostitution. It acknowledges the controversial nature of the subject and its complexity. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding prostitution from a woman's point of view, specifically through a feminist lens. The chapter discusses the difficulties in obtaining data on prostitution and highlights the need for a deeper empathy towards the experiences of women in this industry. It sets the stage for exploring the key factors that lead women into prostitution and the importance of understanding their unique situations.
Causes of Prostitution: This chapter delves into the various factors that contribute to girls entering prostitution in the Center Street community. It identifies physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; premature home leaving (running away); drug abuse; and economic hardship as major contributing factors. The chapter emphasizes that many prostitutes face a combination of these issues, and it connects these factors to the broader social and economic context of Liberia. The illegality of most forms of prostitution in Liberia (as per Chapter 17 of the Liberia Penal Code) is also mentioned.
Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse: This section explores the strong correlation between abuse and prostitution. It cites research linking childhood sexual victimization to an increased risk of involvement in high-risk activities, including prostitution. The chapter emphasizes how abuse can lead to promiscuity and a distorted self-image, making victims more vulnerable to exploitation. It explains how the trauma of ongoing abuse might motivate teenage girls to run away from home, leading them to the streets and prostitution.
Keywords
Prostitution, Liberia, Center Street, female sex workers, feminist perspective, child abuse, sexual exploitation, economic factors, social factors, human trafficking, impact on women's futures.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Prostitution in Monrovia's Center Street Community
What is the main focus of this study?
This study focuses on understanding the experiences of young women (ages 18-35) involved in prostitution in Monrovia's Center Street community, Liberia. It aims to fill a gap in existing Liberian literature by exploring the factors leading women into prostitution and analyzing the impact on their lives, using a feminist perspective.
Why is this study important?
The study highlights the lack of research on prostitution in this specific Liberian community. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of prostitution, moving beyond common stereotypes and acknowledging the diverse factors contributing to women's involvement. The feminist perspective is crucial for understanding the unique experiences and lasting effects on the lives of women involved.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the causes of prostitution in the Center Street community (including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, economic hardship, and running away from home), the different types of prostitution prevalent in the area, the impact of abuse on girls entering prostitution, the role of economic factors, and the application of feminist theories to understand the experiences of female prostitutes.
What are some of the causes of prostitution discussed in the study?
The study identifies several contributing factors: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; running away from home (often due to abuse); drug abuse; and significant economic hardship. It emphasizes that these factors often intersect and are interconnected within the broader social and economic context of Liberia. The illegality of most forms of prostitution in Liberia (as per Chapter 17 of the Liberia Penal Code) is also a relevant factor.
How does the study utilize a feminist perspective?
The study uses a feminist perspective to understand the unique experiences of women involved in prostitution, emphasizing the impact of gender inequality and societal structures. This approach aims to highlight the vulnerabilities faced by women and the systemic factors that contribute to their involvement in prostitution.
What types of prostitution are discussed?
The study explores various types, including forced prostitution, prostitution among homeless individuals, streetwalking, and prostitution among those with drug addictions.
What is the overall goal of the study?
The study aims to understand the reasons why women become prostitutes in Monrovia's Center Street community and the long-term consequences on their lives. It seeks to provide valuable insights for developing effective interventions and support systems.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The study includes an introduction, a section explaining the rationale for studying prostitution, a chapter on the causes of prostitution, a section focusing on the impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and an overview of the feminist theories applied to the subject. Each chapter provides a detailed exploration of the specific aspects of the study.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Prostitution, Liberia, Center Street, female sex workers, feminist perspective, child abuse, sexual exploitation, economic factors, social factors, human trafficking, and impact on women's futures.
- Citation du texte
- Julius T. Jaesen, II (Auteur), 2015, The Effects of Prostitution on Girls’ Future in Post Conflict Liberia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381217
