Prostitution in Genoa, Naples, Palermo and Rome

The four cities in question encompass the articulation of the “problem” of female prostitution in Italy, set against the backdrop of varied legislative frameworks influenced to a lesser or greater extent by the moralizing hold of the Catholic church. Over the centuries, the church’s stance on prostitution has been one of moral condemnation of women involved in the trade. Despite differences in dealing with prostitution, the end result remained the same: ways of thinking about prostitution ranged from acceptance of prostitution as an inexorable evil, to condemnation of those profiting from it, and encouragement for the prostitute to repent. Notwithstanding the approach adopted, prostitution was perceived as a growing threat in Italy.