Explore the historical attitudes towards sex workers, the impact of sex work on women's agency, intriguing stories of historical figures and events, the complexities of sex work, and the urging for policymakers to consider sex workers' perspectives in this fascinating podcast on the history of sex for sale.
Attitudes towards sex work have varied across different cultures throughout history, with some societies celebrating it while others condemn it, reflecting the treatment and views of sex workers.
The complexity of sex work requires a nuanced understanding that goes beyond a binary of exploitation or agency, recognizing the diverse experiences and reasons individuals enter the industry.
Deep dives
The Oldest Profession and Changing Attitudes
Throughout history, sex work has been a longstanding profession, although not the oldest. Anthropologists suggest that the oldest professions were medicine or midwifery, which were universally found in various cultures. However, sex work has a significant history, with attitudes towards it ranging from celebration to condemnation. In ancient times, some sex workers were viewed as holy, while others were treated horribly. Interestingly, the debates and conversations around sex work today mirror those from the past. Authorities have historically used punishment and zoning as means of control. However, it is crucial to recognize that the treatment of sex workers reflects the attitudes of their respective societies.
Attitudes Towards Sex Work in Different Cultures
Attitudes towards sex work have varied across different cultures throughout history. In Renaissance Italy, cities created specific areas for sex work to occur, even setting up bureaus to handle complaints from sex workers. In medieval London, it was located in the area known as Sothec, just outside the jurisdiction of the city. The brothels were under the control of the Bishop of Winchester, with sex workers known as Winchester Geese. Despite the range of attitudes, sex work has always been stigmatized and tied to issues of wealth and class. The narrative surrounding sex work often differs based on the social status of the individuals involved.
Sex Work and Current Societal Debates
Despite the increasing openness and discussions around sex, there is still stigma and discomfort around sex work today. While sex work is legal in the UK, various laws and regulations create an uneasy relationship with it. The issue of brothels highlights this ambiguity, as sex workers are unable to work together for their safety due to legal restrictions. These conflicting attitudes toward sex work reveal that society's openness and acceptance of sex in one context often do not extend to the realm of sex work. Shame and stigma continue to hinder the open conversation and necessary regulation of this profession.
Complexity and Realities of Sex Work
Understanding the complexity of sex work in history and today is crucial. Sex work is not solely confined to a binary of exploitation or agency. It is a multifaceted reality, with individuals entering the industry for various reasons, including financial stability, independence, or as a result of exploitation and abuse. Recognizing the different experiences within the industry is necessary to move towards more informed and inclusive discussions. By listening to the voices of sex workers and learning from history, policymakers can begin to develop more effective approaches that prioritize the safety and rights of individuals involved in sex work.
Many people claim sex work to be the oldest profession, but we can likely put that down to being midwifery or medical professionals of some sort.
However, since money has changed hands, it has also done so for sex.
In today's episode of Betwixt the Sheets we're going back to a conversation I had with Dan Snow on Dan Snow's History Hit,
How have attitudes to those who sell sex changed through history? What might you find in a Roman brothel? And were the Victorians really as prudish as we think them to be?
This podcast was edited by Dougal Patmore and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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