Wired.com released an interesting article on modern technology’s affect on prostitutes in New York City. The article discussed the move of prostitution from the streets to an ‘indoor’ business model, where pimps are becoming less prevalent, and agencies and self starters are more common.
The author, Sudhir Venkatesh, explains further:
The economies of big cities have been reshaped by a demand for high-end entertainment, cuisine, and “wellness” goods. In the process, “dating,” “massage,” “escort,” and “dancing” have replaced hustling and streetwalking. A luxury brand has been born.
These changes have made sex for hire more expensive. But luxe pricing has in turn helped make prostitution, well… somewhat respectable. Whereas men once looked for a secretive tryst, now they seek a mistress with no strings attached, a “girlfriend experience,” and they are willing to pay top dollar for it.
As men with higher incomes and …
