Prostitution in mid-nineteenth century Britain

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How was prostitution regarded in Victorian Britain?
As not only a moral and health problem but a threat to public order and stability.
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Why did a woman's economic situation often lead to prostitution?
Lack of education, most jobs for women were poorly paid and unpredictable so they could not survive on their earnings, loss of job, prostitution seen as part time work until work could be secured again
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How did family and home circumstances lead to prostitution?
Overcrowding, cruel, uncaring and sometimes alcoholic parents, being orphaned.
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Did many women make a conscious, business-like decision to become a prostitute?
No, there is little evidence to suggest this although it is a myth to think that the typical prostitute was the helpless victim of ****/seduction by her middle class employer
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What was the fate of many women after they became prostitutes?
There is evidence that after a few years of prostitution, many found alternative employment and settled down, becoming respectable.
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What victorian attitude did prostitution challenge?
That women were pure, that they were virgins until they were married and they passively submitted to their husbands sexual advances. Their duty was to produce children
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What was the binary view of women in Victorian society?
That women were either whores, 'fallen women' or were pure virgins
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How was prostitution seen as harmful in victorian society?
It contaminated society and threatened the institution of marriage and the sanctity of the family. It also was seen to harm the minds of the innocent men and women of society. Viewed as a cause of public disorder - not necessarily true
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How did prostitution exemplify the double standard and hypocrisy of Victorian morality?
Victorians saw it as 'a great social evil' as well as considering it to be a necessary evil as men had a natural sex drive which many believed could not be satisfied by marriage.
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Where was prostitution considered the most necessary in Britain?
In towns with military bases and in ports. The government thought that it was necessary to provide safe sex for these men when they were home on leave or stationed in garrison towns
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Why did a woman's economic situation often lead to prostitution?

Back

Lack of education, most jobs for women were poorly paid and unpredictable so they could not survive on their earnings, loss of job, prostitution seen as part time work until work could be secured again

Card 3

Front

How did family and home circumstances lead to prostitution?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Did many women make a conscious, business-like decision to become a prostitute?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was the fate of many women after they became prostitutes?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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