Prostitution and gambling were two modes of crime in New York City during the early 1800s that were both frowned upon, yet subtly condoned, amongst society. Brothels and gambling halls were the first forerunners of organized crime. These were establishments that required property, financial sponsorship, employees, planning, and supervision by their owners. Due to the nature of the City’s police force, business dealings ended up with some gamblers achieving political appointments. Owners of brothels and wealthy gamblers wielded great monetary influence, which was expertly converted to power. “Any officer who attempted to enforce laws against gambling or prostitution without the consent of his sponsor could be fired or transferred. Indignant moralists who regarded lax law enforcement as simple corruption therefore missed a critical point. The gambler’s influence derived as much from his participation in the political system as from a policeman’s personal venality.” (Johnson, Policing the Urban Underworld, pg 7).
All levels of New York’s urban society were affected. Although at first glance it may seem that prostitution and gambling were negative influences on society, they were businesses all the same; they provided service for those wanting, and employment for those needing. In fact, gamblers and prostitutes often served as intermediaries between the different social classes. “Both prostitutes and gamblers provided information to the police on the locations and activities of other criminals, thereby creating symbiotic ties between themselves and lawmen.” (Johnson, Policing the Urban Underworld, pg 187). I take a middle-ground stance on the issue; I believe prostitutes often had no other choice of profession, while gamblers chose games of greed. I do value the roles of these oft-undermined New Yorkers, since they were merely navigating the urban underground as best as they could, while trying to make a buck.
A business of the 1800's that tapped into society's purported sins; Lust and Greed
I also support your stance on middle-ground concerning prostitution. On a modern standpoint, it’s looked down upon as “trashy” and “dirty.” However, during the 1850s, working class families could barely manage on one source of income. Women were depended on not only for domestic duties, but possibly for prostitution as well to get that extra income for families.
I agree with what you had to say except the fact many was a prostitute because they had no other choice. At the time we are talking about women actuaally didn’t work but stayed home. Eleazar commented that it was hard to prostituting helped out a lot. However I don’t think many man willingly have their wife having sex with a stranger for money. Everyone was living close together so people would talk so I think that females wanted money and prostitution was a way of getting money easily. Just like gambling but without any luck.
I agree that many people needed to perform illegal activities to earn money. I also want to point out that it was because of these activities that other people had jobs such as police officers. Furthermore, many pick pockets emerged such as children. Children needed to pick pocket strangers in order to eat and survive. Although it was a choice for some, it was definitely not a choice for all.
It may seem as immoral and wrong but lets be honest, prostitution generated alot of income to women in the 1800’s and gambling generated a good amount of income to the few lucky gamblers and a lot more to casino owners. It also created employment opportunities like: card shufflers, bar men, waitresses and uh prostitiutes? Lol
I understand why you have a split decision on whether or not to agree with categorizing gambling and positiution to be a good source of income. Morals come into a big play, obviously a lot of these women did not choose postitution as their professions but a lot of women knew the value of money and how money gave them a sense of power. Even to this day when there are laws prohibiting prostition and illegal gambling the underground market is still as profitable as ever
I also think this to be and issue of morals. Clearly in the 1800s prostitution and gambling weren’t as prohibited as they are today and as Julia and Benjamin stated before hand these “jobs” provided opportunities to many people of every social class. They apparently also aided the police in stopping other crimes, one could say that the prostitutes and gamblers were a necessary evil of the 1800s.
To certain extend i agree, but we should put in mind that the economic trend the political, and the structure of the urban habitants had forced many woman to accept and endure such job, and also in absence of security many powerful men would use women. Prostitution was one aspect that came to surface in the city at that time, and we can imagine what would be the situation of others who worked in house …
Who said they didn’t have a choice? You always have a choice. You chose to be a prostitute or starve. You chose to gambling or not have the money to have an income. It’s funny because I would think in a society like this morals and values were set rather than in present times. I’m sure there were prostitutes or gamblers who did those activities when they did not have to.