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The Idea of Prostitution

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In The Idea of Prostitution, revolutionary feminist Sheila Jeffreys stands up against the multi-billion dollar sex industry. She tackles the ideology that women exist to be used/bought by men, the prostitution practices that stem from this ideology, and the sharp increase in male prostitution behaviour that we have witnessed towards the end of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. Jeffreys takes us on a journey through time to the origins of prostitution and guides us through hundreds of years of sexual slavery. Her skill as a historian, radical feminist and political scientist enable us to see the political contexts that have produced a rise in prostitution throughout history and ways in which we might begin to end the male trade in women and children today. She investigates the connection between sexual liberal and libertarian ideologies and the development of the pro-prostitution or "sex work" lobby that marks the most recent push towards legalising the sale of women to men. Geographically, Jeffreys' reach is vast and the cross-cultural analysis she engages is helpful in revealing both the similarities and differences in male prostitution behaviour throughout the world.

Jeffreys is consistent in showing that prostitution is created by the vulnerability of women in a global society that is economically, politically and sexually run by men. In this way, she ushers in the 2000 United Nations declaration in CEDAW that there is no distinction between free and forced prostitution because prostitution necessarily exploits the vulnerability of women. She does not shy away from the unpopular conclusion that if we are to end prostitution, we must concentrate on ending male power over women and children. Through her steadfast loyalty to the women used in prostitution, Jeffreys is able to show the cruelty of the flesh trade and the sexist, racist and classist motives of the "sex work" lobby today. One by one, she undoes the myths that enable people to feel comfortable with the sale of women, including the idea that there is a distinction between forced/free, child/adult prostitution and that there is a distinction between sex trafficking and prostitution. Her thorough analysis of these distinctions lead the reader to conclude that these are indeed lies perpetrated by those who collude to make every woman believe that her destiny is to be bought and sold.

The Idea of Prostitution is invaluable for anyone interested in the historical development of prostitution, who is currently backing the growth of sexual slavery, and why it has become an accepted part of contemporary global culture. But perhaps the most wonderful aspect of Jeffreys' book is the optimism she instills in a new generation of women. She believes that together, we can end the sexual exploitation of women and children by claiming the right to defend ourselves and our communities against the brutal might of the international sex industry.

The Idea of Prostitution provides an excellant understanding of the politics of sexuality. Clearly, she points out that prostitution is NOT choice but rather a decision based on social context and a system of power that we all live within. And yes it is time the men are punished for their bad behaviour not the women who of often trapped in prostitution because of a variety of reasons. Great work! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

The way I see it, she presents a very interesting summation of what goes on in this business unlike other writers. Definately recommended.

This book is absurd!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The book covers prostitution as if it were a profession that requires a doctrine degree. The author states that Prostitution is a legitimate and acceptable form of employment, freely chosen by women. WRONG-WRONG-WRONG !!!!!!!!!! 99% of women do not freely choose to sell their bodies; they do it to support drug habits that can be in the hundred-dollar range, per day. They do it as a means to survive, when they're homeless and have no food, clothes or loved ones to help. Some women do it to feed their children, but I have never met a prostitute who chose prostitution as her profession over being a nurse, teacher, etc., this holds true for the average street walker as well as the expensive call girl. Also, prostitution is not an acceptable form of employment, not only can you get yourself arrested, but you lose all respect from people around you.

The author does nothing to portray the truth in this book. All people know that the majority of prostitutes have horrific STD's, which they carry and often pass on to clients. The book defends prostitutes by stating the one doing any wrong are the men paying for sex, not the women giving the sex.

I have a real insight on prostitution; I was a streetwalker and a heavy drug user for many years. I cleaned up, got educated and started working the streets to help other prostitutes get out, so to me, this book was a poor portrayal of the life of a prostitute.