Sex Work History: How the Industry Evolved Over Time

When you hear "sex work," you might picture a modern club or a quick internet search. But the reality stretches back thousands of years. Ancient temples in Mesopotamia listed courtesans, Greece had ‘hetairai’ who were educated companions, and medieval Europe saw brothels as part of city life. Knowing this helps you see that sex work isn’t a new problem – it’s a long‑standing social role that changes with laws, culture, and technology.

Key Milestones That Shaped the Industry

First, the 19th‑century “Regulation” era in Europe tried to control prostitution by registering workers and forcing health checks. It lowered disease spread but also gave the state huge power over personal lives. Next came the early 20th‑century moral crusades, especially in the US, where the “abolitionist” movement pushed for outlawing brothels and criminalizing clients. The shift left many workers vulnerable, pushing the trade underground.

In the 1970s, the feminist “sex‑positive” wave argued that consent and safety mattered more than moral judgments. This sparked the first real push for workers’ rights, leading to decriminalization efforts in places like New Zealand (2003) and parts of Australia. Those laws focus on health, safety, and removing police harassment, showing a newer, rights‑based approach.

Today’s Landscape: Tech, Law, and Stigma

Now the internet is the biggest game‑changer. Websites, apps, and social media let escorts manage their own profiles, set prices, and screen clients. This gives more control but also creates new legal gray areas – many countries still criminalize parts of the business, while others embrace regulated zones. The biggest challenge remains stigma: even when the law is friendly, social judgment can affect mental health and access to services.

Understanding sex work history isn’t about glorifying or condemning – it’s about seeing patterns. When laws focus on protection rather than punishment, workers report higher safety and better health outcomes. When societies talk openly about consent and agency, the industry moves toward a safer, more transparent model.

Whether you’re curious, researching, or just want to be a more informed citizen, knowing the past gives you a clearer picture of the present. Sex work history shows how law, culture, and technology intersect, and it points to where we might head next: a world where safety, choice, and respect are the norm for everyone involved.