In many early societies, sex work was integrated into religious and civic life.
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." The History of Prostitution
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 In many early societies, sex work was integrated
The history of prostitution is less a story of "progress" and more a reflection of how societies define gender, labor, and morality. Whether viewed as a religious rite, a social necessity, or a human rights issue, it remains a central, if contentious, part of the human experience. The 20th Century to Present: Criminalization and Rights
The modern era is defined by the tension between abolition and harm reduction.
Prostitution was a legal, taxed, and regulated business. While sex workers (often slaves or freedwomen) occupied a low social status ( infamia ), the practice was considered a necessary "vent" to protect the sanctity of marriage. The Middle Ages: Tolerance and Regulation