Child prostitution is an increasing problem yet little is known about its existence. Most of its activity lay under secrecy and what little is known is gained by the few who are willing to reveal their activities. Yet what they do reveal may not reflect the truth because fully retelling may trigger the emotional and psychological trauma associated with their lives. However, recent articles have indirectly proposed that there are other reasons not associated with emotional and psychological trauma, though it is a factor, that may explain why child prostitutes may not tell the truth. These children's depictions of the truth may not be the truth to us because what they detail do not parallel the traumatized mentality we expect. Their stamina and resilience surpassed our expectations. This is not to say that they do not feel victimized or less of a human being but more that they are, in most instances, willing to give up their bodies for the greater good of their family. Thus the emotional and psychological trauma we expect is met by the obligations of these children to their family and themselves. Survival and obligations mask whatever emotional and/or psychological trauma they may incur. This raises numerous questions about autonomy versus the collective as well as influencers that are associated with this behavior.
In the following we will discuss the articles that explain the other factors associated with increased membership and early entrance into child prostitution.
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Child prostitution on Craigslist. Child prostitution increasing – on the rise – reaching alarming rates. Child prostitution in rural and urban communities in the U.S. Child prostitution endemic in Asian and African countries.
What do headings such as these reveal to us about this growing problem? That we continuously failed to remedy problems that affect children, issues related to gender, and the continued neglect of people of color.
We can not discuss an issue like prostitution without talking about the intersections of race and gender. When I say gender, I am including males and females because their roles within prostitution may vary. For instance, the children who made fun of the young man who had anal injury after sexual intercourse was made fun of for having a period – a female trait. Then when these boys reach a certain age, their means to provide financially diminish – they run out of opportunities. It is not fair to say that I wish they could continue with prostitution, but they would become displaced, having to leave home to find work.
What is most alarming about these stories is that children face years of abuse way before they enter prostitution. I assumed that prostitution was a profession they entered when they reached a certain age - automatically. But many are forced into it. Feel that they have no other options. Families force them into it. Or begin because they see others doing it. No matter the case, I feel that providing options and other avenues is the most important thing.
I think that research serves a useful role in uncovering a hidden population and providing their stories. Qualitative especially. I couldn't imagine gaining information from a quantitative project related to this. Imagine asking girls – ok how many men have you had sex with? How many do you use condoms with? ETC ETC. This seems so cruel. But many people think that qualitative researchers who are not members of the population being studied is not appropriate either. My question is how else would we know about these people if someone doesn't study them.
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