Abstract
This article examines the history of prostitution in the Straits Settlements which comprised Singapore, Penang and Malacca. In order to have clear pictures on the 'oldest profession', the statistics on prostitution activities based on primary sources are included. Further, the spread of diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea are discussed to show the extent of impact of prostitution activities in the Straits Settlements. According to the records available for the year 1916, Singapore became the centre of prostitution activities that involved mainly Chinese and Japanese women. Similar developments took place in Penang where these two ethnic groups also dominated the profession. It is believed that women were brought to the Straits Settlements as prostitutes in the 19th century partly due to the disprotionately lower number of female immigrants in these states compared to male immigrants.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
