Sexuality in Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the issue of prostitution and explains that it has always been intrinsically linked to and shaped by broader sexual attitudes, practices and cultures. The paper specifically explores the history of sexuality and prostitution within an Australian context. For instance, in approximately two hundred years of European settlement, prostitution has been affected extensively by factors such as demographic patterns, class and gender biases, immigration, race and age biases and economic and social crises. This essay outlines the dominant factors responsible for shaping prostitution, while including references to legislative initiatives that sought to regulate and control prostitution and which were, in themselves, a reflection of societal attitudes.

From the Paper:

"The first major factor affecting prostitution is changing demographic patterns, reflected in the type of clientele, services demanded, and reasons for the need of prostitutes. During the convict era, and later colonial period, the numerical predominance of males was considered a serious problem. As men outnumbered women six to one until the 1840s, the authorities believed that, "without a sufficient proportion of that sex [female] it is well known that it would be impossible to preserve the settlement from gross irregularities and disorders." These disorders included homosexual contact, or sodomy which was an offense, "against the order of nature," according to the prevailing sexual mores of the time, and the risk of rebellion if male lusts were not satiated."

More papers on Sexuality in Australia:

• Essay # 65809 : "The Sexual Revolution & the Gay Community"
• Term Paper # 100131 : "The Media and Inequality"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 74626 : "Combating Child Abuse"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: