Prostitution is meant to be the oldest profession, whether this is true or not, cannot really be distinguished, however the fact is that this phenomenon can be observed since ages.
For example Jesus saved a prostitute from being lapidated and forms of commercial sex can be observed in the times of the old Greeks and Romans (Posner 1992). In the medieval ages, in Germany, prostitution was organised by guilds, regulated by the authorities. It was proscribed, however, not denied or oppressed. Even the brothels were often property of the city (Hiscott: 2001). Also in other countries at this age, prostitution flourished. A major reason was that there were hordes of bachelors (Posner 1992)
After the breakout of syphilis in Europe and when the reforming theology gained more influence prostitution was oppressed. This repression lasted till the 19th century and with the industrial revolution the number of prostitutes increased rapidly. In Germany at the beginning of the First World War about 330,000, which is about 1% of the female population, were prostitutes (Reichel and Topper 2003).
Nowadays the number of prostitutes is higher in less developed countries however not insignificant in developed ones (Philipson and Posner 1993). The number of prostitutes in Germany is estimated by the government at 150,000 (Morell 1998) and according to the Financial Times 25,000 prostitutes work in Amsterdam.
This essay will discuss the supply and demand for prostitutes. Initially, some essential information about prostitution is presented. Secondly, the supply of prostitutes is discussed in the sense of what determines it and if effective contraception had any influence on it.
Thirdly the demand side of prostitution is examined with respect to the influence of the sexual revolution. Finally, I give concluding remarks about the topic.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Essential Information
III. Supply
a. Supply model
IV. Demand
a. Demand Model
V. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This essay explores the economic determinants of the supply and demand for prostitution, analyzing how sociological factors such as the sexual revolution, contraception, and labor market dynamics have historically shaped and continue to influence the structure of the sex industry.
- Economic modeling of prostitution supply and demand.
- The impact of contraceptive technology on market gains.
- Role of sex ratios and marriage markets in determining demand.
- The influence of labor market opportunities on supply.
- The evolution of the sex industry from simple intercourse to specialization.
Excerpt from the Book
III. Supply
On the supply side occurs the issue why should a woman become a prostitute. Edlund and Korn argue that a woman cannot be both a wife and a prostitute. They also state that marriage is a source of income and to compensate a foregone marriage, prostitution must pay better than any other jobs. The assumption of their model seems to be quiet harsh, however the role of a women in society has long been reducing to be a wife and a mother. Women were meant to marry and give children to the father.
The opportunities on the job market were limited and mostly the investment in the education of females were lower than for man, due to inferior return (Hamermesh and Rees 1988). Quoting a prostitute in the United States form the 19th century (Woloch 1996):”I don´t propose to get up at 6:30 to be at work at 8 and work in a close stuffy room… until dark for $6 of$7 a week. When I could spend an afternoon with a congenial person and in the end have more than a week’s work could pay me,” makes it clear how high the earning possibilities were. Consequently, a prostitute earned five times more than she would receive in a factory.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: This chapter provides a historical overview of prostitution and outlines the essay's intent to analyze the market through economic lenses, including the impact of contraception and the sexual revolution.
II. Essential Information: This chapter defines prostitution as the selling of non-reproductive sex and discusses the varying quality levels of the profession, as well as the demographics of the typical client base.
III. Supply: This chapter examines the economic motivations for entering the profession, contrasting the gains from prostitution with marriage and traditional employment opportunities.
a. Supply model: This chapter formalizes the supply of prostitutes mathematically, illustrating how job opportunities and societal attitudes toward virginity affect the equilibrium of the market.
IV. Demand: This chapter analyzes factors driving the purchase of commercial sex, highlighting the significance of unbalanced sex ratios, wage disparities, and marriage market conditions.
a. Demand Model: This chapter presents a mathematical model for the demand for commercial sex, accounting for factors like marital status, wage ratios, and exogenous shifts in the number of bachelors.
V. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the previous analysis, confirming that while the nature of the prostitution market has specialized over time due to social and economic shifts, the fundamental drivers of supply and demand persist.
Keywords
Prostitution, Economics of Social Life, Supply and Demand, Contraceptive Pill, Sexual Revolution, Marriage Market, Sex Ratio, Labor Market, Wage Gap, Commercial Sex, Economic Model, Bachelors, Non-reproductive sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the economic underpinnings of the prostitution market, specifically analyzing what determines the supply of providers and the demand from clients.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The main themes include the impact of the sexual revolution, the role of effective contraception, labor market opportunities, sex ratios, and the influence of marriage market dynamics.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to apply economic models to explain the historical and contemporary factors that influence the existence and structure of the prostitution market.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes an economic framework, employing deductive reasoning and mathematical modeling of supply and demand functions based on established economic theories.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the definitions of prostitution, the economic trade-offs between marriage and sex work, the impact of technology like the pill, and external factors like tourism and immigration on demand.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Prostitution, Economics of Social Life, Supply and Demand, Contraceptive Pill, and the Marriage Market.
How does the invention of the contraceptive pill affect the supply of prostitutes?
According to the model presented, the pill reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancy, which lowers the costs of marriage and non-commercial sexual alternatives, thereby reducing the economic incentive for women to enter prostitution.
Why does the author differentiate between companionate and uncompanionate marriage?
The author distinguishes these to explain demand; in an uncompanionate marriage, the spouse is less likely to satisfy the husband's needs, leading him to seek commercial sex as a substitute, whereas companionate marriages have higher internal sexual value.
What role do unbalanced sex ratios play in demand?
Unbalanced sex ratios—where men significantly outnumber women—increase the demand for prostitution because the scarcity of marriageable partners drives men toward alternative sexual outlets.
- Quote paper
- MA (hon.) Economics Florian Christian Weber (Author), 2004, What factors determine the supply of prostitutes? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/89385
