Throughout the 20th century, many Western nations moved toward "prohibition," driving the industry underground.
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
In many early societies, sex work was integrated into religious and civic life. Throughout the 20th century, many Western nations moved
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 Prostitution was a legal, taxed, and regulated business
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
Laws like the UK’s Contagious Diseases Acts (1860s) allowed for the forced medical examination of women suspected of prostitution to prevent STIs among soldiers. This sparked early feminist movements that fought against the "double standard" where women were punished while male clients were ignored.