Brothel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A brothel, also known as a bordello or whorehouse, is an establishment specifically dedicated to prostitution, providing the prostitues a place to meet and to have sex with the clients. In some places, licensed brothels are legal (see prostitution), and in many countries, places such as massage parlors are allowed to function as brothels, with varying degrees of regulation and repression. Depending on zoning, brothels may be confined to special red-light districts or 'tolerance zones'.
Other (older) names for brothel are cathouse, pleasure house, house of ill repute or knocking shop (UK).
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[edit] Business models
Brothels use a variety of business models.
- In some, prostitutes are held in bondage without the option to leave, receiving only a small portion (or none) of the money paid by the patron. This is typical where human trafficking procures a large percentage of prostitutes, and is common (though not limited to) countries where prostitution is forbidden or repressed.
- In others the prostitutes are employees, receiving a small fixed salary and a portion of the money spent by the customer. (Maison close)
- In still others the prostitutes pay a fee for use of the facilities, with the brothel owner not being involved in the financial transaction between prostitute and client. In those countries which restrict or forbid prostitution, this provides some level of plausible denial to the facility owner. (Maison de passe)
- A unique business model exists in the brothel Big Sister in Prague: customers have sex for free, with the operation being financed by the sale of video recordings on the Internet.
[edit] In popular culture
Movies depicting brothels include:
- Born into Brothels
- Ancient Chinese Whorehouse
- The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
- HBO's Cathouse: The Series (Season 1)
- HBO's Cathouse: The Series (Season 2
Videos depicting brothels include:
