The debate over the legalization or prostitution is not new. Both sides have come to accept that prostitution is something that will persist no matter what laws are put in place, but the question remains: would it be beneficial to legalize it? Whom would it benefit? Both sides of the debate seem to focus on how legalizing or not legalizing would impact the prostitutes and customers, but a gap in their line of thought is how legalization would impact all women.
The societal stereotype of a prostitute is that she is easy, both sexually and as a target of humiliation. In movies for example, they stand on street corners and are yelled at by passers by, often portrayed as less human and definitely portrayed as less deserving of respect. I suggest that this connotation of prostitutes impacts the way women are treated more than we realize. 65% of women in the United States, according to the Washington Post, have experienced an “overall prevalence” of street harassment, which consists of verbal remarks such as yelling or sexual comments, and unwanted looks (McEwen). But what is the connection between this and legalizing prostitution? I believe there is a connection between how prostitutes on the street are treated and how women on the street are treated. There is something about a woman being out in public that seem seems to be enough to provoke harassment – maybe this is because harassers see her as an object they could possess if they wanted to?
Legalizing prostitution would not only protect the prostitutes themselves but it might have an overarching impact on the treatment of women in public. If working in the sex industry is seen as a legitimate profession and not as something to be ashamed of, it will be less acceptable to target these women as victims of harassment. By extension, it will make it less acceptable to target all women walking down the street as victims of sexual harassment.
How does this work? If prostitution is legalized, it will force the prostitution industry to be regulated. Businesses will no doubt pop up everywhere, both from current illegal businesses and new ones ready to get some skin in the game (no pun intended but pun intended). Women will be hired, have set hours and set pay, have to complete W2 forms – all the normal job-related things. These businesses will also have a department similar to human resources, where employees can complain if their employee contracts are being violated or if they experience sexual harassment. I’m sure there will be more specific intricacies when it comes to how each woman decides to interact with customers, which will be determined before the event: anything that is not agreed upon is considered a reportable offense. The legitimization of the already-existing business of prostitution gives these women power they have never seen before. Women who are seen as some of the lowest, the least deserving, would be able to claim their work as a profession, be able to collect a fair wage, and fight injustices.
How will this impact other women? First, the more women that have the freedom, legally and socially, to stand up for themselves, the better for women everywhere. Second, if we remove the dehumanizing element to prostitution and take away the social stigma surrounding it, it will push against the stereotype that prostitutes aren’t worth of respect. Third, teaching women that, no matter what their profession is, they are deserving of respect, will translate to a much larger population of women.
The biggest component to this theory is the social change that would come about after the legalization of prostitution. I firmly believe this would change people’s attitudes toward women who work in that field, and toward women who are considered on a lower rung of society. If women who were originally thought of this way are granted rights, and act on them, what does that mean for everyone else? It means stronger, more confident women, who shouldn’t have to fear stepping outside their front door.
Works Cited
McEwen, Lauren. “New Study Suggests Street Harassment Is Widespread.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 4 June 2014, www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2014/06/04/new-study-suggests-street-harassment-is-widespread/?utm_term=.a4c357b75fa3.
Kelly, I really like the ideas you expressed in your post. I feel people believe that if a prostitute gives consent to someone to sleep with them, then that automatically means they cannot be rapped. This is the exact opposite. Anyone can be rapped, even if they originally gave consent. Legalizing prostitution would ensure that these women can report their attacker to the police without the fear of being arrested themselves. I think your overarching theme of how legalization of prostitution would affect women in general is also really important. It shows that we have autonomy over our bodies, therefore, should be able to consent to whatever job we want to. Just because prostitution is legalized does not mean every woman is going to become a prostitute, just like those who are pro choice don't necessarily support getting an abortion themselves. Everyone should have bodily autonomy, to a point, but legalizing prostitution does not cross that line. Great post!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I complete agree with this post. The destigmatization of prostitution is the first step to normalizing it. This is due to having too many straight, white, ignorant men in power who think it is their decision on how a woman may present themselves. It is not okay, women need to be empowered in this society. I believe legalizing prostitution will be the first step to normalizing the practice, as it will begin to be seen societally as a regular career. I hope within the next twenty years this step takes place. Great job differentiating the stereotypes from the realities.
ReplyDeleteKelly, your blog did a great job pointing out how one of the main hurdles in legalizing prostitution is the stigma surrounding it and the dehumanizing factors that surround it. Furthermore, I liked how you showed that making prostitution a legitimate business would protect those already in it.
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