The History of Sex Work: From Worship to Stigma

Ancient Greece & Desires of the Roman Empire

Evidence of temple sex workers practice isn't exclusive only to Mesopotamia. You can find traces of temple sex work in ancient Greece as well. For instance, the temple of Aphrodite in Corinth (about 78km from Athens, Greece) was home to a significant number of sex workers. The earnings they generated were used to maintain the temple, therefore, supporting the primacy between religion and vulgarity. Also during the times of ancient Greece and Rome, both women and men were working as sex workers.

In ancient Rome, sex work was a highly organized business and presented as something ordinary. It was regarded as a legitimate career. The state regulated the profession, requiring workers to register for a license and pay taxes. It's fascinating to note the way how the brothels were strategically placed in the busiest parts of the city. Convenient, right?

The Wonders of India

In ancient India, there were entertainers called ‘Tawaifs’ who performed for the elite. They danced, sang, and recited poetry at gatherings known as mehfils. Similar to Japan's geisha tradition, their main job was to entertain professionally. Sometimes, they formed intimate relationships, but it wasn't always part of the deal. The most prestigious Tawaifs could choose their own partners, and they made important contributions to various art forms. Also worth mentioning is the Devadasi, girls who were dedicated to a god in the Hindu religion. They were in charge of temple care and held high social status until the decline of Hindu temples due to Islamic invasions.

Rising Sun: Sex Work in Japan 

Now, let's go to the East, to Japan, when in the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Japan's societal structure and attitudes towards sex work were quite different compared to cultures on the west. The “pleasure houses”, as the brothels were known, were not simply sexual entertainment venues; they were places of artistry, grace, and sometimes political gatherings. And the women, working inside were trained in arts, literature, politics, and music, luring the elite classes of society.

The Geishas: Artistry Over Eroticism 

Usually they came from poor families and were sold into the profession, already as young girls. The iconic Geishas, or 'person of the arts,' as they were known, were not just sex workers. Their primary role was to be entertainers and companions. With their mastery of dance, musical skills, and the art of conversation, their allure applies more in the field of the intellectual, rather than the erotic aspect. On the other hand, their independence was often compromised all their lives, reminding us that sex work is a difficult topic expanding from glamour to struggle. However, could this be the first step to the culture of nowadays high-class escorts?

Islamic World: Sex Work Became a Sin

In the 7th century, Muhammad declared that prostitution was forbidden and it was suddenly considered a sin. During the time of Arab slave trade, sexual slavery became common. Under this system, slaves, mostly women, were passed from one owner to another, despite laws against owning someone for sexual favours.

The Middle Ages: Tolerance to Sin

In the early middle ages, cities across Europe, like London, Paris, and Venice, surprisingly, had a rather tolerant view towards sex work. Brothels were often approved and managed by local city councils. It was seen as a practical need to keep order and protect women from unregulated exploitation ation. However, with the rise of the Catholic Church around 590CE and the shift in societal values, sex work was distinguished as a greater sin, leading to the suppression and criminalization of the profession in the patterns we still know today.

Notably, the concept of prostitute saints, such as Mary Magdalene, gained popularity in the 12th century. Mary Magdalene's biblical story of transformation into a reformed harlot served as an instrument to encourage repentance among prostitutes. Particularly Magdalene Homes, provided asylum and support for the reformation of prostitutes, reaching their peak in the early 14th century.

Early Modern Days of Sex Work 

The Beginning of Renaissance

The Church presented a three-way standpoint, acknowledging prostitution as an unavoidable social reality, condemning profiteers, and encouraging repentance. When the Church recognized that it was impossible to entirely eliminate prostitution, they began accepting it as a lesser evil later in the 14th century. Despite this acceptance, prostitutes remained excluded from the Church unless they aimed to reform.

The late 15th century marked a key change in societal norms and towards sex work. The first outbreak of syphilis in Naples during 1494, potentially stemming from the Columbian Exchange, triggered a cascade of reversing perceptions as in the outlawing of brothels.

During The Protestant Reformation

Later in the 16th century, we witnessed the emergence of associations between prostitutes and the plague, provoking authorities to outlaw brothels and sex work. This ban aimed to harden the 16th-century criminal law system. The law defined sex workers as promiscuous females, closely tied to concepts of lust and promiscuity.

The Enlightenment Era

The 18th century is certainly an intriguing period in history, filled with remarkable innovations. One fascinating innovation worth mentioning is the birth of the first condoms, which were crafted from catgut. They emerged in Venice, Italy.

Victorian Era

Moving into the 19th century, we are again witnessing important shifts in the nature of prostitution across the British Empire, India, and global mining camps. These changes ranged from racial segregation policies in India to the trafficking of women across Asia.
This era in North America distinctly regarded prostitution as a "necessary evil," believed to contribute to marital fidelity. This period also saw a rise in the police forces, leading to increased suppression of sex workers. As well, the legalization of prostitution in St. Louis were later revoked due to public protests. Additionally, the Page Act of 1875 aimed to prohibit the importation of women for prostitution.

Red Light District

The 1920s saw the legislation of many so-called "red light" laws, in districts where sex work was concentrated. As the century advanced, societal mindsets remained primarily negative, pushing sex work further underground. As the 19th century progressed, the industry transitioned from madams to male pimps, resulting in many harmful treatments for women.

Modern Era: Changing Perspectives 

Both of the two World Wars disrupted societal norms, causing a notable increase in sex work due to economic hardship, displacement, and the sheer number of soldiers away from home. Later in the mid to late 20th century, we are presented with another big shift in perspectives towards sex work. Thanks to the feminist movements and sex-positive speeches, society started to pull back on the stigmas that surrounded this profession.

Yet, the battle is far from over. Many countries, especially in Europe decriminalized sex work but on other continents, prostitution mainly remains illegal. We have only a few completely legal exceptions, such as the Netherlands or Nevada, USA.