What’s wrong with prostitution?

Abstract

The criminal character of much of the business of prostitution is not the only reason for secrecy. Prostitutes are readily available at all levels of the market for any man who can afford one and they are frequently provided as part of business, political and diplomatic transactions. Yet the public character of prostitution is less obvious than it might be. Like other forms of capitalist enterprise, prostitution is seen as private enterprise, and the contract between client and prostitute is seen as a private arrangement between a buyer and a seller. Defenders of prostitution admit that some reforms are necessary in the industry as it exists in order for a properly free market in sexual services to operate. The perception of prostitution as a problem about women is so deep-seated that any criticism of prostitution is likely to provoke the accusation that contemporary contractarians bring against feminists, that criticism of prostitution shows contempt for prostitutes.