It is well established that the Dominican Republic is a popular destination for 'sex tourism'. But what would happen if Prostitution was completely eliminated in the Dominican Republic? Of course, we all know that will never happen, but the answer to that and the following question will highlight another social issue.
With Prostitution comes tourism (be it directly related to sex-tourism or not), and with tourism comes income. Naturally, not EVERYBODY is coming for something sex related, but I think its safe to say that a considerable number of people do come with that intention - Men AND Women. This income is subsequently spread around and allows for many people in the Dominican Republic to make a living or at least help them make ends meet. The sex tourist from 'X-Country' goes to a Bar=spends money, takes a gua gua=spends money, pays the 'sex worker'=spends money, takes a motoconcho back to his hotel=spends money, stops for yaniqueque's=spends money etc etc. So with all euphemistically connected contexts aside, we will call that a PRO.
But then on the OTHER hand, with such an open and accepted Prostitution and Sex Industry comes the increase of STD's especially HIV. Then you have unwanted pregnancies, and mother's (and fathers) ill equipped to take care of a family. You also usually see an increase in violence where you find more prostitution. Then there are the more subtle but significant 'moral' deconstructions that come with prostitution. Young girls begin to think that selling their bodies for money is just as 'easier' way out, while getting an education gradually appears to be something that is less likely, further away and not attainable. Young boys grew up to be Men who have little or less respect for a Women and who view them as something inferior and non-important, only a tool used for sexual gratification. Of course not EVERYBODY is affected in that way, but many are. So we will call that a CON.
So if you had to choose between having INCREASED Prostitution or NO Prostitution at all - based on the affects mentioned above, which overall would be 'better' for el pueblo dominicano??
With Prostitution comes tourism (be it directly related to sex-tourism or not), and with tourism comes income. Naturally, not EVERYBODY is coming for something sex related, but I think its safe to say that a considerable number of people do come with that intention - Men AND Women. This income is subsequently spread around and allows for many people in the Dominican Republic to make a living or at least help them make ends meet. The sex tourist from 'X-Country' goes to a Bar=spends money, takes a gua gua=spends money, pays the 'sex worker'=spends money, takes a motoconcho back to his hotel=spends money, stops for yaniqueque's=spends money etc etc. So with all euphemistically connected contexts aside, we will call that a PRO.
But then on the OTHER hand, with such an open and accepted Prostitution and Sex Industry comes the increase of STD's especially HIV. Then you have unwanted pregnancies, and mother's (and fathers) ill equipped to take care of a family. You also usually see an increase in violence where you find more prostitution. Then there are the more subtle but significant 'moral' deconstructions that come with prostitution. Young girls begin to think that selling their bodies for money is just as 'easier' way out, while getting an education gradually appears to be something that is less likely, further away and not attainable. Young boys grew up to be Men who have little or less respect for a Women and who view them as something inferior and non-important, only a tool used for sexual gratification. Of course not EVERYBODY is affected in that way, but many are. So we will call that a CON.
So if you had to choose between having INCREASED Prostitution or NO Prostitution at all - based on the affects mentioned above, which overall would be 'better' for el pueblo dominicano??
