Intrigued?
Anxious to earn some extra cash?
According to a recent study released by the Urban Institute entitled “The Hustle: Economics of the Underground Sex Industry” all you need to do is move to Atlanta and start selling women for sex. Because $32,000 a week was the average income of a pimp in Atlanta from 2005-2011. Consider this, “Atlanta’s underground commercial sex economy in 2007 was nearly 2.5 times bigger than the 2013 payroll of the Atlanta Falcons.” Here is the rest of the infographic-
The study was based on interviews with convicted pimps and the most comprehensive study done on this black market industry. The study looked at the economics behind the commercial underground sex industry and the risks involved.
Runaways are prime targets for pimps who recruit at transportation hubs, strip clubs, malls, college campuses, and neighborhoods known for prostitution. This recruitment is the most important part of a pimp’s job because without girls, the pimp isn’t making any money. Majority of the pimps were employing at least one minor at the time they were caught because ” younger women are easier to manipulate, work harder to earn money, and are more marketable.”
Once a pimp entices a potential girl, they use deprivation to create dependency and motivate their employees by either compensating them with material goods or denying them these rewards. In terms of revenue, about 18 percent said they impose a dollar figure quota that employees would have to earn each day. These figures range from $400 to $1,000, depending on the day of the week.
Given the prices charged per hour or act, earning $400-$1000 can mean a lot of “work” for a girl.
Pimps often network with other pimps. These typically informal partnerships help pimps recruit employees, get intel on new business destinations, monitor law enforcement activity, advertise services, and even get financial help when times get tough.
Pimps also covet relationships with legal businesses.
Some hotel employees and managers turn a blind eye to prostitution occurring within their establishment, help market services, give discounts, and even tip off pimps to law enforcement inquiries. In return, they might receive money or free sexual services.
Before we point too many fingers though, nearly one-third of the pimps said they entered the underground commercial sex economy because they grew up around it. Exposure to sex work as children made the trade seem like a normal, achievable means to earn a living.
The underground commercial sex industry is a dark market living right below our eyes. It is happening where you live right now. This is not something only occurring overseas and most often, the victim is an US citizen raised by a system which has failed them. It is time we wake up and start talking about this, learning the signs, talking to our law enforcement and political leaders, and become a voice for those who do not have one.
The Polaris Project is an excellent resource and their hotline number is 1-888-373-7888 or you can text befree (233733).
Source for Pictures and information from the Urban Institute.
