The Oldest Profession.
Across the globe, governments struggle with how to handle the sex industry. Some nations ban it entirely, arguing it damages society and fuels illegal activities. Others allow and tax it like any other business, arguing that making it illegal only puts workers in danger. In this unit, we explore the vocabulary of policy, morality, and the hidden economy.
- Legalisation (noun): Making the industry lawful, but subject to strict government rules and taxes.
- Decriminalisation (noun): Removing criminal laws so a business is treated like normal work.
- Prohibition (noun): Making something completely illegal to buy or sell.
1. Raw Vocabulary: The Industry
Practice: Drag the correct word into the policy debate!
1. If two adults make an agreement, should the government get involved?
2. Making the industry illegal doesn't stop it; it just drives the business to a and dangerous place.
3. Amsterdam is famous for its , which is regulated and taxed.
4. Critics argue that the industry is built entirely on the of vulnerable people.
5. The police closed an illegal in the city centre.
6. International human is a terrible, organised crime.
7. Some politicians want a total on buying sex.
8. Others believe is the only way to protect workers with normal labour rights.
2. Idioms and Expressions
When discussing hidden economies and moral gray areas, English speakers frequently use these idioms.
- "The oldest profession." A common, polite way to talk about prostitution.
- "To turn a blind eye." To pretend not to notice something that you know is happening (usually something illegal).
- "A victimless crime." An illegal act that hurts nobody and occurs between willing adults.
- "Sweep it under the rug." To hide a problem or keep it secret instead of dealing with it openly.
- "Supply and demand." The economic phrase that means: as long as people want to buy something, someone will sell it.
3. Reading: Two Models of Law
Read about the two primary ways governments attempt to control the sex industry.
The Nordic Model
Introduced in Sweden, this law makes it a crime to buy sex, but legal to sell it. The idea is that sex work is a form of violence against women. By arresting the clients, the government hopes to destroy the industry without punishing the vulnerable workers. However, critics argue this still forces workers to hide in dangerous places to protect their clients.
Full Legalisation
In New Zealand, all criminal laws regarding sex work have been removed. Brothels operate like normal shops. Workers have standard rights, can join unions, and can call the police if a client attacks them, without fear of arrest. Supporters argue this is the only way to keep everyone safe. Opponents claim it makes a terrible industry seem normal and harms society's morals.
4. Grammar Focus: The Second Conditional
When discussing policy changes and hypothetical laws that do not currently exist, we use the Second Conditional. It allows us to imagine a different reality and predict the consequences.
| Structure | Meaning | Debate Example |
|---|---|---|
| If + Past Simple, ... would + Base Verb | Imagining a hypothetical or unlikely situation in the present/future. | "If the government legalised it, they would collect millions in taxes." |
| If + Past Simple, ... wouldn't + Base Verb | Predicting a negative outcome that would be prevented. | "If it were legal, criminals wouldn't control the streets." |
Pro Tip: In formal English conditionals, we use "were" instead of "was" for all subjects. (e.g., "If it were legal...", "If I were the president...").
Exercise A: Build the Hypothetical Policy
1. If the city ____________ all the brothels, the industry would just hide from the police.
2. Workers would be much safer if they ____________ able to report crimes to the police.
Exercise B: Complete the Expressions
Type the missing words to complete these conversational idioms.
1. The police know what happens in that district, but they just turn a blind to it.
2. Some people believe that if two adults consent, it is a crime.
5. Debate Support: Prepare Your Arguments
Before you debate, look at these points and use the sentence starters below.
- Workers would have normal legal rights and police protection.
- It would take money away from dangerous criminals and traffickers.
- It is safer and cleaner if the government can regulate it.
- It ruins the morals of a society and damages families.
- It still encourages the abuse of desperate and poor people.
- Some things shouldn't be for sale, no matter what.
- "If the government legalised this, it would..." (Second Conditional)
- "It is often said that... but..." (Passive Voice)
- "The people who work in this industry are..." (Relative Clauses)
- "Instead of ignoring the problem, we should..."
6. The Hot Seat: Debate Practice 🎙️
- Which legal system do you believe is best: The Nordic Model, Full Legalisation, or a total Ban? Why?
- Do you agree with the statement that sex work is a victimless crime as long as it involves willing adults?
- Use the Second Conditional: "If my country fully legalised the sex industry,..." (What would happen next?)
- Why do politicians often prefer to sweep this issue under the rug rather than passing clear laws?
- Can the sex industry ever truly exist without abuse and trafficking, or are they perfectly linked?
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