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• Page 21: Henry Mayhew: Prostitution in Victorian London

Overview

• Henry Mayhew (1812–1887) was a pioneer of sociological research, particularly regarding the poor in Victorian London.

• His work, London Labour and the London Poor (1862), illuminated the sufferings of the destitute and encouraged the wealthy to improve their conditions.

• Mayhew used case studies and narratives to present his findings empathetically.

The Life of a Young Prostitute

• Mayhew recounts the harrowing experiences of a young prostitute, illustrating the deprivation faced by individuals in this line of work.

• The narrator, an orphan, began working as a maid but faced severe mistreatment from her employer, leading her to flee at the age of 10.

• She ended up in a low lodging house, which she wasn’t aware existed before her flight from the abuse.

Key Points from the Prostitute's Narrative

• Abuse and Trauma: The young girl was subjected to physical abuse from her mistress, which culminated in her running away.

• Descent into Prostitution: In her new environment, she was surrounded by a corrupting influence and eventually succumbed to a lifestyle of prostitution.

• Living Conditions: The lodging houses were overcrowded, filthy, and full of vermin, where young boys and girls mixed inappropriately.

• Lack of Education: The girl expressed that she could neither read nor write, highlighting the cycle of poverty and ignorance.

• Relationship and Manipulation: After engaging with a young man, she lived with him for a time before he was incarcerated, which subsequently plunged her into a deeper life of crime and prostitution.

Emotional State and Despair

• Over her three years on the streets, the girl experienced varying fortunes, illustrating the unpredictability and instability of her life.

• She often resorted to theft to survive and attempted to get imprisoned as a means of escape from her lifestyle.

• Her narratives reveal not only personal suffering but a broader depiction of social decay affecting the youth of London.

Page 22: Continuing the Narrative

Deteriorating Conditions

• The continuation of the narrative reveals ongoing exploitation and moral depravity within the lodging houses.

• The girls were manipulated by older girls and their 'chap's,' showcasing an intricate system of exploitation.

Details of Daily Life

• Overcrowding: The conditions described were horrid, with many sleeping in close quarters, often leading to indecency and fights.

• Indecent Activities: The narrative discusses public indecency among minors, highlighting the sexual exploitation present.

• Cycle of Violence: The girls often faced physical violence, both from their partners and within their social environment.

Attempts at Escaping

• At certain points, the young girl attempted to escape her situation by getting into prison, which she viewed as a refuge.

• Despite brief periods of imprisonment offering her a semblance of security, she ultimately returned to the streets, compelled by her circumstances.

Desires for Change

• The narrative conveys a sense of regret and a longing to escape from prostitution. The young girl wishes for an honest working life but faces insurmountable challenges.

• Many girls in her situation spoke of wanting to leave the exploitative lifestyle but felt trapped by their circumstances and the societal structures that perpetuated their misery.

Page 23: William W. Sanger: Prostitution in Hamburg

The Context of Prostitution in Hamburg

• William Sanger conducted an investigation into prostitution at the request of the New York Board of Alms-Houses Governors.

• His findings highlighted how different cities managed prostitution, with Hamburg implementing specific legal supervision since the 13th century.

• Prostitution in Hamburg had shifted toward a more regulated system beginning in 1807, especially after the influx of French immigrants.

Brothels and Regulation

• Legal Framework: Hamburg’s regulations classified prostitutes into "public" (brothels) and "private" (street prostitutes).

• The legislation viewed prostitution as a necessary evil that had to be controlled rather than eradicated, as suppression was impractical.

• Arguments in favor of brothels were rooted in social and health concerns, suggesting that public regulation could help control sexually transmitted diseases better than unregulated private prostitution.

Page 24: The Life of Prostitutes in Hamburg

Daily Life and Conditions

• Registered women in brothels lived under strict police supervision, which included having their movements and conduct monitored.

• The living conditions in brothels varied widely, with some providing better food and care to the women than others.

• Idleness and Entertainment: Daily life involves idleness and social interactions, such as playing cards or dressing up for clients, rather than meaningful work.

Relationships and Society

• The nature of relationships in brothels differed from those of private prostitutes, where the former had no attachment to specific clients, maintaining more transactional relations.

• Personal relationships among private prostitutes could offer emotional support during times of crisis, although the risks attached to such relationships were significant.

Page 25: Conclusions on Prostitution in Hamburg

Crime and Registration

• Theft among registered prostitutes was noted to be less frequent than among unregistered women due to police oversight and registration regulations.

• The police maintained that their role was to protect women from brothel-keepers, especially when debts were involved, indicating a complex relationship between the authorities, brothels, and the women.

Legislative Measures

• The state’s strict supervision was not intended to support brothel keepers but rather to safeguard the health and welfare of the women involved.

• Regulations were put in place to ensure safety and provide avenues for women wishing to exit prostitution under specific conditions.

• Overall, Sanger’s research in Hamburg provides a detailed look into the regulation and social implications of prostitution, highlighting issues that resonate with Mayhew's earlier findings in London.

1. The London prostitute's account of her life confirms that poverty was the underlying cause of prostitution:

• Abuse and Trauma: The young girl faced severe mistreatment from her employer, leading her to flee her job and ultimately into the life of prostitution.

• Lack of Education: She expressed her inability to read or write, highlighting the cycle of poverty and ignorance that limited her opportunities.

2. Mayhew's interviews with lower-class Londoners might have helped to bring about social reform by shedding light on their sufferings and encouraging the wealthy to take responsibility for improving their conditions. His empathetic case studies provided a human face to social issues, potentially influencing public opinion and policy.

3. Sanger's arguments in defense of legalized prostitution in Hamburg included viewing prostitution as a necessary evil that needed regulation to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. However, arguments against it often centered around moral concerns and the exploitation of women.

4. Mayhew's and Sanger's views of reform and prostitution would converge to a certain extent, as both highlighted the need for social reform to address the conditions that led women into prostitution. However, while Mayhew focused on empathy and uplifting the conditions of the poor, Sanger emphasized structured regulation and public health as methods of control.