The business of selling sex for money has been around since its inception, and those individuals engaging in the trade have been known by many names. From harlots to bawds, concubines to courtesans, ladies of the night to prostitutes, the business of exploiting the body for money has been, and continues to be, as much of a profession as any other. But while many are familiar with the terms and stories involving these ladies of the night, the same cannot be said for the business of organizing the transaction itself, otherwise known as a whorehouse.
Whorehouses offer an opportunity for individuals to buy and sell sexual services in a space that is both comfortable and safe. Known by a variety of other names such as houses of pleasure, houses of assignation, bordellos or brothels, they offer a unique insight into the business of sexual exploitation.
So, what exactly are whorehouses, what do they offer, and why are they so prevalent? To answer these questions, it’s important to understand the history and purposes behind their existence.
The history of whorehouses dates back to the earliest days of prostitution when it was mainly patronized by wealthy men looking for a private place to indulge their sexual fantasies. By the 17th century, England began to regulate the practice of prostitution in the form of individual brothels. These establishments often catered to the most wealthy of clients, providing a luxurious environment and higher-end services in exchange for money.
As prostitution spread to other countries, regulations began to vary depending on the local laws. In some countries, legislation allowed the operation of whorehouses only in approved red-light zones, while in others, it was considered a legitimate business. However, regardless of their legality, whorehouses were often the target of constant police raids and arrests due to their connection with criminal activities such as human trafficking.
Today, whorehouses can be found in all shapes and sizes, ranging from underground, seedy establishments to luxurious, high-end clubs. They can be run either by organized crime syndicates or individual business owners, and they provide services ranging from the basic to the extreme. While some offer intimate services, such as oral or anal sex, others specialize in exhibitionism, role-play, BDSM or fetish activities.
Despite the fact that the business of offering sexual services for money is as old as prostitution itself, the operations of whorehouses remain largely a mystery to the general public. Because of their clandestine and sometimes dangerous tales, they often evoke many feelings of judgement or shame. However, the truth is, while these establishments may play a role in the seedy side of sexual exploitation, more often than not, they provide a safe haven for the parties involved.
If you’ve ever had the rare opportunity to take a look inside a whorehouse, it can be easy to understand why they are so common. Once you enter, it is immediately clear that the whole experience has an air of professionalism within it. From the well-dressed and polite receptionists to the thoughtfully designed interior, it almost feels as though you’re entering a hotel rather than a place of business.
In reality, whorehouses function much like any other business. They offer a variety of services, often have strict safety rules, and most of all, they ensure the privacy and security of their customers. In this way, they provide a much-needed service to those looking for an alternative to traditional, face-to-face sexual interaction.
The truth is, while the business of sexual exploitation remains hugely controversial in today’s society, whorehouses exist solely because of the demand for them. Until our society moves away from punishing sex workers and their customers for engaging in consensual activities, these establishments will continue to provide a service that many people are looking for.
The business of sexual exploitation is one that has been around for centuries, and it is likely to remain a part of human history for many years to come. Whorehouses offer a unique insight into this world, and they are an important reminder that even the most seedy of activities still require a certain level of professionalism and safety.
