Fewer men paying for sex...

[1nitestan]

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-paying-for-sex-20131102,0,796675.story#axzz2jaxkvk6v

Could the oldest profession be losing its customers?

Fewer men say they have ever paid for sex — or been paid for it — than a few decades ago, according to a nationally representative survey. But scholars and activists are divided over whether men are really turning away from prostitution, or just becoming less likely to admit to it.

In a string of surveys between 1991 and 1996, nearly 17% of men said they had ever paid for or received payment for sex; that fell to 13.2% between 2006 and 2012. Last year, that number hit the lowest point since the question was first asked — 9.1% — though statisticians caution the unusually small number could be a fluke.

The survey drew no distinction between buying and selling sex, but men are widely assumed to be customers far more often than they are sellers.

The numbers seem to be shifting with the generations: Older men are much more likely to say they have bought or sold sex at some point in their lives. Younger men, in turn, have been less likely to report doing so than men of the same ages a few decades ago.

The numbers come from the General Social Survey, a project of the independent research organization NORC at the University of Chicago meant to track changes in American society.

The sweeping survey, funded principally by the National Science Foundation, has questioned more than 57,000 Americans since 1972. Nearly 11,000 men have answered the question about paying or being paid for sex since it was first asked in 1991.

Experts say there are trends that could be turning more men away from prostitution, including new technology and looser sexual mores.

If fewer men are paying for sex, "it's because they don't have to," said Christine Milrod, an independent researcher and sex therapist based in Los Angeles. "They can have sex for free."

The Internet — through websites such as Adult FriendFinder and smartphone apps such as Blendr — has made it much easier to find other people who want to have sex without charge, said Michael Reece of the Indiana University School of Public Health.

Reece said young adults who grew up "in the shadow of HIV" also might be more uneasy about prostitution. He pointed to the fact that condom use is higher among people in their teens and twenties than it is among older adults.

The dropping survey numbers might also be tied to the fact that modern men are less likely to have served in the military. Men who served are more than twice as likely to have ever bought or sold sex, the surveys show.

Buying or selling sex has also fallen somewhat among military men and veterans; several researchers suggested men might have found it easier to pay for sex in Vietnam or Western Europe than in newer battlegrounds such as Iraq.

Other experts are skeptical that men are actually changing their habits. The dropping numbers defy widespread concern that the Internet has made it easier to link prostitutes and clients. A recent Arizona State University study based on responses to online ads estimated that about 1 out of 20 men in a scattering of cities were seeking to buy sex online.

"I have never read anything that suggests a decline in men buying sex," said Melissa Farley, executive director of Prostitution Research and Education, a nonprofit that aims to abolish prostitution. She was especially dubious because the survey did not distinguish between those who buy sex and those who sell it.

Others questioned whether men might see using websites to buy "dates" or become a "sugar daddy" as something different than paying for sex.

Michael Shively, a senior associate at the research firm Abt Associates, said in the era of Internet hacking, prostitution clients may just be more worried about their answers being released, even on an anonymous survey.

"City after city, state after state, there have been changes in the law that increase penalties for paying for sex," said Ronald Weitzer, a George Washington University sociology professor. "It might be the growing punitive climate that's affecting these numbers" as more men avoid reporting what they did.

So who is still buying sex?

In interviews with more than 100 men who bought sex, Prostitution Research and Education found 26% of customers said they were fulfilling immediate sexual urges, but 19% sought "variety" and 12% were looking for convenience or lack of commitment. The rest gave other reasons.

Customers who talked with the Los Angeles Times offered a wide range of reasons, from dating frustrations to sexual addiction.

"It's sort of like a date, with flirting and friendship," said James, a 56-year-old from Chicago who spoke on the condition that his last name not be used. He estimates he has spent more than $400,000 on sex since 1986. "But it's delusional. Because I'm paying them."

 

[PlayfulAlex]

Based on my own humble field experience, there is no shortage of (wonderful) men who are willing to pay for the intimate companionship of a willing female (namely me)...so I honestly don't care what statistics they've come up with, from where, based on whatever...

 

[luvsdaty]

Most of the sp's I've talked too have mentioned that business is slower. We are in an economic downturn. Most of them say they hate going to Alberta but what are you going too do? Gotta go where the money is.
As a client I can tell it's gotten slower, I've had a few girls text me and ask me to come see them, I never reply to these texts as I think it's crossing a line.

 

[luvsdaty]

It's been mentioned on perb before. Pooning is a luxury, not a necessity. And when the economy goes south, budgets go thru some belt tightening. Now there is the 1% who don't have to worry about having a pooning budget, but for the majority of us this just isn't the case. I've managed to be fairly insulated from this latest downturn in the economy, however it has made me mindful on how I spend my desposible income.
And getting older has curbed my cravings for sex, plus having friends with benefits may have something too do with guys not seeing escorts as often as they have in the past. A lot of girls now a days don't want a relationship and are quite comfortable doing the fwb.

 

[HunkyBill]

Another bogus survey....was it posted on Rock101's Facebook page? lol.
If anything, demand has risen as we have seen higher prices. If the market is slower, you can be sure prices drop and more availability in terms of appointment selection.

 

[PlayfulAlex]

uh, that IS crossing a line! for sure!

I haven't noticed a drop but I am not representative of the whole population, though I would say it is tough to gauge how many lie about it, even in an anonymous survey..

Hmmm, perhaps I am not representative of the larger population, either...and yes, I totally think that texting a previous visitor out of the blue is crossing a line that is way uncool...

 

[luvsdaty]

Another bogus survey....was it posted on Rock101's Facebook page? lol.
If anything, demand has risen as we have seen higher prices. If the market is slower, you can be sure prices drop and more availability in terms of appointment selection.

Prices haven't risen in Victoria. Some of the local sp's that have achieved legendary status are basically touring ladies now and only come to Vic occasionally(usually holidays)

 

[HunkyBill]

Hmmm, perhaps I am not representative of the larger population, either...and yes, I totally think that texting a previous visitor out of the blue is crossing a line that is way uncool...

Of course, some might find that flattering. But replying back "this is Sgt. Bilco, can I help you" might make them think twice about sending an unsolicited text, lol

 

[luvsdaty]

Hmmm, perhaps I am not representative of the larger population, either...and yes, I totally think that texting a previous visitor out of the blue is crossing a line that is way uncool...

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, I mean what are you gonna do when it's the end of the month and you've got a mortgage to pay and rent on your incall?

 

[kenchorney]

When I started pooning prices where $180 to $200 for a girl with a good reputation and a decent incall. Now every girl with a camera phone, internet connection and $80 for a flea bag motel wants $300. There are still some great girls around but at $300+ I am being much more selective. In the past I didn't mind TOFTT but now its almost never.

 

[PlayfulAlex]

Of course, some might find that flattering. But replying back "this is Sgt. Bilco, can I help you" might make them think twice about sending an unsolicited text, lol

I'm sure there are cases when a single guy might find that flattering, but one never knows his true situation...is it really worth the risk and the potential drama, if he gets pissed, or outed, or who knows what?

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, I mean what are you gonna do when it's the end of the month and you've got a mortgage to pay and rent on your incall?

Well, the mortgage to pay comment is bit of a stretch in most cases but yeah, the incall rent, I get it...nevertheless, I guess a little forethought at the beginning of the month (and halfway through) probably goes a long way at the end of the month!

 

[luvsdaty]

When I started pooning prices where $180 to $200 for a girl with a good reputation and a decent incall. Now every girl with a camera phone, internet connection and $80 for a flea bag motel wants $300. There are still some great girls around but at $300+ I am being much more selective. In the past I didn't mind TOFTT but now its almost never.

WOW! Glad I live in Vic. $180 for an incall, $250 for the flavour of the month. In Van you can cruise the sw scene and pick up a girl for $80. I don't get over there very often but I've seen a couple nice girls on Kingsway for a quick blow n go.

 

[HunkyBill]

the egghead sex therapist in the above article with no common sense writes:

If fewer men are paying for sex, "it's because they don't have to," said Christine Milrod, an independent researcher and sex therapist based in Los Angeles. "They can have sex for free."

Like a redtube is going to give you sex for free? your female friend agrees to be your fuck buddy and let you experience your kinks with her?
The fact is prices are climbing. If anything means it's becoming more unaffordable to pay for it (directly).

 

[HunkyBill]

WOW! Glad I live in Vic. $180 for an incall, $250 for the flavour of the month. In Van you can cruise the sw scene and pick up a girl for $80. I don't get over there very often but I've seen a couple nice girls on Kingsway for a quick blow n go.

you should never compare a SW with any of the girls here, it's simply not cool and in bad taste. that's like comparing a big mac to a sirloin steak.

 

[luvsdaty]

When I started pooning prices where $180 to $200 for a girl with a good reputation and a decent incall. Now every girl with a camera phone, internet connection and $80 for a flea bag motel wants $300. There are still some great girls around but at $300+ I am being much more selective. In the past I didn't mind TOFTT but now its almost never.

WOW! Glad I live in Vic. $180 for an incall, $250 for the flavour of the month. In Van you can cruise the sw scene and pick up a girl for $80. I don't get over there very often but I've seen a couple nice girls on Kingsway for a quick blow n go.

 

[luvsdaty]

you should never compare a SW with any of the girls here, it's simply not cool and in bad taste. that's like comparing a big mac to a cactus club burger.

I wouldn't say that The ladies I saw were really pleasant, not every girl who works on the street is a crack whore(pardon my French) just as not every girl who works as a high class independent has a 401k. sirloin steak raise the bar a little bit dude.

 

[HunkyBill]

I wouldn't say that The ladies I saw were really pleasant, not every girl who works on the street is a crack whore(pardon my French) just as not every girl who works as a high class independent has a 401k. sirloin steak raise the bar a little bit dude.

crack whore is french? i'd never see a SW...that's as low as the bar can go.
some of the Prime or AAA rated sirloin steak is simply outstanding. I am not referring to an A&W sirloin burger either. the only thing better in my opinion is a Prime porterhouse steak. BTW We dont have 401s in Canada. I dunno why you mentioned it and most people probably have no idea what it is any ways.

 

[luvsdaty]

crack whore is french? i'd never see a SW...that's as low as the bar can go.
some of the Prime or AAA rated sirloin steak is simply outstanding. I am not referring to an A&W sirloin burger either. the only thing better in my opinion is a Prime porterhouse steak. BTW We dont have 401s in Canada. I dunno why you mentioned it and most people probably have no idea what it is any ways.

Different strokes for different folks my friend, I've pooned for over 30 years off and on. Back in the day the sw's use to work in front of the hotel Georgia and the hotel Vancouver, it was strictly wham bam thank you mame, $300 please! I've seen some wonderful independants that where worth repeating and I've seen some that where counting the cracks in the ceiling. $401k, , you did get my point though as i'm sure there might be 1 or 2 other folks that knew I was referring to that just cus you make a butt load of money, it doesn't necessarily make you classy. Just as a person may be as poor as a church mouse, but it doesn't make that person the scum of the earth . I myself prefer a 2" thick rib eye on the bbq. Sorry for getting off topic fellow perbites.

 

[dipsett]

People just don't readily admit it. That's why it's on a decline.

It's also illegal in the united states. People don't admit to things like this as much as they'd admit to smoking weed, also illegal still in most states.

 

[haakon]

I think it's a case of if you're hot and you provide a good service, you'll still do well these days. And, maybe because I'm single, I don't mind at all if a sp texts me, particularly if we've developed a good relationship. In fact, I like it.