Many medieval cities established licensed brothels to control public order and generate tax revenue.
The rise of the internet has shifted much of the industry from the streets to online platforms, changing how sex work is organized and policed. Conclusion The History of Prostitution
The modern era is defined by the tension between abolition and harm reduction. Prostitution was increasingly viewed through the lens of
Prostitution was increasingly viewed through the lens of social hygiene and urban poverty rather than just religious sin. The 20th Century to Present: Criminalization and Rights many Western nations moved toward "prohibition
By the late 15th century, the Reformation’s focus on morality and the devastating outbreak of syphilis led to the closure of most public stews (brothels) across Europe. The 18th and 19th Centuries: The Era of Control The Victorian era saw a move toward "moral reform."
Throughout the 20th century, many Western nations moved toward "prohibition," driving the industry underground.