Dehumanization Of Prostitution Essay

As the act of prostitution accelerated, prostitutes were segregated into three different categories: “inmates of brothels, the occupants of rooms outside such houses, and the “kept woman” or mistresses” (Bullough, 1964, p. 194). This was the first social injustice that occurred against women working in the sex industry. Unequal labor laws and discrimination was just a small portion of what these hardworking, determined women endured. As previously mentioned, these young women had one goal: to be able to provide clothes, food and shelter for their families. “No registered woman was permitted to change her residence without first giving notice to the authorities” (Bullough, 1964, p. 194). This dehumanized any woman who identified employment as

The Federal Mann Act was established, which prohibited the use of women for “immoral purposes.” In result, nearly every state passed laws that banned brothels from continuing to operate. For example, according to law Title 8 Ch. 12 Sub Ch. II Part VIII Sec. 1328, "The importation into the United States of any alien for the purpose of prostitution, or for any other immoral purpose, is forbidden." An individual who had been found guilty in committing this crime, can be punished by up to 10 years in prison and/ or a fine. It also states that "Whoever knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any Territory or Possession of the United States, to engage in prostitution, or in any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both." Nevada became known for being the only state to legalize prostitution and the operation of brothels. Rhode Island considered prostitution as a legal act until 2009, when it declared it was prohibited in the state. Prostitution still remains illegal in the current year of 2015, and thousands of women are being incarcerated every year for prostitution in the United