The emblem of masculinity
In most studies, men see little or no harm in paying women for sex. This is not surprising.
These are the answers and arguments in favor:
• Sex is a basic male need. Most men want sex more than most women.
• Men have paid women for sex for thousands of years in a wide range of cultures around the world. Therefore, paying women for sex is normal and natural.
• When men do not have sexual partners or when they do not meet men's needs for sexual frequency, it is reasonable—and masculine—to pay sex workers.
• Paying women for sex is a reasonable way to lose virginity and gain sexual experience, especially for men who are disabled and may not be sexually attractive to many women.
• In countries that prohibit divorce, it is reasonable to pay women for sex when the marriage does not work.
• Sex tourism provides support to poor women in countries where they have few financial opportunities.
• All heterosexual men pay women for sex. During courtship and marriage, men pay indirectly—by enjoying and dining with women and providing financially for their wives. In sex work, men pay directly for sex.
But many others are against:
• Real men don't pay for sex. To do so means you are a failure as a man.
• Paying women for sex reflects "weakness" and "sex addiction".
• Payment for sex cannot involve emotional intimacy.
Paying women for sex can contribute to their exploitation by pimps and traffickers.
Whatever the legal fate of sex work, many men around the world are sure to continue paying women for sex. As the latest study shows, some feel good about it. Others express ambivalence. And some believe it is wrong but feel powerless to stop it.
