Then: 1830's France
Then: For the public in 1830’s France a common narrative emerges that Parent-Duchatelet discusses frequently in his introduction. This narrative is one of disgust and disapproval for prostitutes. In Parent-Duchatelet’s opening sentence of his research he portrays the public’s perception of prostitution.
”I found, in most people’s minds, a particular disfavor attached to the functions of all those people who, in one way or another, deal with prostitutes…”[1]
It’s clear that there’s a public ideal that "disfavors” those involved in sex work and this isn’t surprising given the social context of 19th century France.
Even Parent-Duchatelet expresses his disapproval of the occupation by comparing those involved to a sewer.
“If I have been able, without scandalizing anybody, to creep into the cesspits, to handle putrid substances, to spend part of my time in refuse dumps, and in many ways to live in the middle of all that is most abject and disgusting in places where people live, why would I blush at approaching a cesspit of another kind (a sewer I admit, fouler than the rest) in the well founded hope of doing some good…”[2]
This mindset, entrenched in stigma, has had a lasting impact, as today there still remains prejudice against those involved in sex work. However, some changes have occurred in relation to who’s to blame for the immoral action.
[1] Translation of Parent-Duchatelet Composite File, 2013. Translation by Greggor Mattson, PhD, 2016.