NCJ Number
184904
Date Published
1996
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This chapter is a sampling of interviews with runaway youths in Louisville, Cleveland, Meridian (Mississippi), and New York City; they describe their lives in prostitution as "players" or "pimps" and as whores ("Ho's").
Abstract
This chapter is from a larger study by the authors entitled "Growing Up Poor." In all the cities studied, prostitution was the main occupation for girls in the underground economy. Many do not believe they have a choice between getting a job and engaging in prostitution; prostitution is by far the easiest, most convenient, and most profitable form of illegal activity for these teens. Most girls are recruited into prostitution, but some are tricked, coerced, or charmed into the life. Although there are adult role models and community institutions that attempt to steer teens away from prostitution, many find the incentives to continue in it too strong. There is no consistent pattern in the backgrounds of young men who become pimps. Husbands, boyfriends, and transient players all play the role. In most cases the motivation for pimping is economic necessity. Those who have had negative experiences in the work place, no matter how brief, will move on to the underground economy and try to forge an identity and an income there. Some teenage prostitutes and pimps do manage to find legitimate jobs, but often they leave within a few months because the job demands are too great, especially when prostitution offers an easier and more lucrative life. Teenage prostitutes and pimps have developed a negative self-image and considerable hostility toward members of the opposite sex. They are at risk of remaining in the criminal subculture as adults, and if they do not find better role models and job opportunities, this is the most likely prognosis.