Prostitution in Europe

A thorough, early‑twentieth‑century survey examines how major European cities have approached the complex social phenomenon of prostitution. Drawing on extensive investigations commissioned by the Bureau of Social Hygiene, the author presents a methodical, data‑driven portrait that avoids moralizing and focuses on facts, institutional practices, and the realities faced by both workers and the public. The opening chapters set out clear definitions and outline the scale of the issue, paving the way for a comparative view that spans Britain, France, Germany, Austria and the Nordic states.

The work then moves through a series of detailed sections on demand, supply, legal regimes, and various regulatory experiments—from street‑level control to segregated bordellos and public‑health measures. It evaluates the outcomes of abolitionist policies, the handling of disease, and the broader social consequences observed across the continent. By the end of the first act, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the historical context and the diverse strategies that shaped European approaches, offering valuable perspective for any discussion of contemporary policy.