Assuming (possibly incorrectly) that prostitution in one form or another is ubiquitous worldwide, how do prostitutes operate in the stricter Islamic countries if the penalties for getting caught are so severe? Nabbing a prostitute is probably (as crimes go) one of the more easily detectable crimes and prostitutes typically go to jail with some regularity. If the punishment is death or extended imprisonment + physical punishment for sex outside of marriage, how does prostitution manifest itself in these environments?
Or is my prediction about human nature worldwide incorrect, and there are no prostitutes to speak of in these countries?
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty cite Quoted from site
*Prostitutes wear their veils loosely over their heads in a style that passes for risque in this strictly regulated society. With their faces heavily made up, they stand at traffic circles where men driving by can inspect them and make a deal. The women are often young, including many teenagers who have run away from abusive homes.
Based on official figures, there are some 300,000 women who work as prostitutes in Iran. And according to newspapers, the number is steadily rising, despite frequent police crackdowns.*
Personally, I’m skeptical of the numbers, but it’s a start in understanding this phenomenon.
Exploring that site a little further I found this: Quote A new plan by some senior Iranian clerics for solving the country’s problem of street prostitution is causing widespread debate. The plan would create so-called “chastity houses” for destitute women where men could marry them for a few hours under Islamic law. Proponents say the plan would “eradicate social corruption” by legitimizing the sexual relations between the men and women. But critics say it could simply push more poor women and runaway girls into becoming prostitutes.
[sup]I think this only applies to nice girls from nice families[/sup][/ul]