An overview of prostitution as a vocation, compiled from sociological theory and data, and a comparison of the sociological perspective with other perspectives. The focus is on current aspects of the occupation since its structure and functions have undergone some changes in recent decades.
All societies except those with the most rudimentary division of labor frequently have persons whose vocational persuits are in violation of formal norms and are therefore deviant if not illegal. Illegal practitioners, like members of regular occupations, exhibit craftsmanship values and pride in the product or service they render. A young attractive female, for example, who yearns for a luxurious lifestyle, but has no talent to catapult her into stardom and no prospective wealthy husband may become a high-priced call girl.