What is the origin and the evolution of prostitution?

Answer 1

Sometimes called "the world's oldest profession", prostitution has been around in some form or another since the dawn of written history. In many ancient cultures, female prostitution was an accepted profession for many women, especially those who could not earn a living any other way - husbands killed in war or died from laboring. It wasn't until the church - especially the Christian church - decided that sex was bad that prostitution became a 'sordid' form of employment. Even then, on and off, prostitution and brothels enjoyed varying levels of acceptance in the public eye. Some cities and towns had entire 'red light districts' where brothels were, if not welcomed, at least tolerated, so long as the owners and management made their 'donations' to the local law enforcement. Thus, while strictly illegal, the proliferation of prostitution enabled police corruption to flourish as well. In western society, there has always been a two-faced, rather double standard towards prostitution. Men who publicly railed against 'painted women' and touted morality and decency were also the prime customers of many madams and prostitutes. When prostitution is illegal, standards for cleanliness and safety are difficult to carry out or enforce, and also leads to the rise of 'pimps' to manage and control the individual prostitute, paying off the police and controlling their 'turf'. When prostitution is legalized and regulated through standards, the women are safer and cleaner - parts of Nevada have legalized brothels, and the world hasn't come to an end yet from it.

Answer 2

Prostitution began millions of years ago. All non human female primates accept food in exchange for sex. So the ancestors of humans accepted food in exchange for sex. Then when money was created, they used money. So prostitution existed before humans existed. That is why prostitution is called "The oldest profession."

Answer 3

Prostitution predates civilization.

Most primate females will mate in exchange for meat. Whether this counts as prostitution or a dinner date I don't know.

Answer 4

When sex was first invented.

Answer 5

2006.