Sociology-Prostitution

Prostitution is defined as engaging in promiscuous sexual relations, especially for money. A crime is an act that violates official law, and it is punishable through formal sanctions such as the criminal justice system (Casella, 2020). On the other hand, deviance is a violation of certain social norms that vary across various social milieu. Therefore, prostitution is a deviant act across various cultures and is categorized as a victimless crime in some states and in other countries.

Usually, prostitution involves the consent of all the parties involved in that kind of relation, so there is no victim or any crime reported; therefore, it should not necessarily be considered a criminal offense. Additionally, legalizing prostitution may help in preventing other crimes of violence. For instance, in states where prostitution is legal, prostitutes can reject any customer and enforce using condoms since the law protects them; hence, the use of force and violence is nonexistent altogether (Hardaway, 2003).

Furthermore, state regulations require licensed brothels to maintain storage for hygienic supplies and prophylactic devices. This means that the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is prevented. Also, solicitation is prohibited. There are no incidents of forced prostitution, and the brothels hire men strictly for the purposes of maintenance and repair of the facility. Thus, in such states, almost no problems with solicitation are reported in cities near the brothels (Hardaway, 2003).

In conclusion, prostitution should be considered a deviant act, not a criminal offense. Not all deviant activities are criminal activities. For instance, talking loudly during an important conference meeting is deviant, and since it does not involve breaking any legal rule, it is not considered a crime. Prostitution should be considered similarly, but not in the case of forced prostitution. Legalizing the act prevents other crimes of violence and other deviant acts like a solicitation. However, other non-deviant income-generating opportunities should be provided to avoid engaging in prostitution.

References

Cassella, K. (2020). Social Work and Deviant Behavior. Eastern Gateway Community College.

Hardaway, R. (2003). No Price Too High: Victimless Crimes and the Ninth Amendment. Westport, Conn.: Praeger.

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Sociology-Prostitution

Do you believe prostitution should be a criminal offense? Why or why not?

• http://www.people.vcu.edu/~jmahoney/deviance.htm