An Approach to the Prostitution in Madrid in the 18th century

Abstract

The article deals with the complex phenomenon of prostitution in a specific geographic
and cronological area, Madrid in the 18th century. From Los Libros de Acuerdos de la Sala de Alcaldes de Casa y Corte and their contrast with literary sources, the legislation and
practice of prostitution are studied (Pragmáticas, seduction, neglect and economic needs as
waysof access to the brothel, fees etc).
The double treatment as both crime and sin, which the heterodox sexual behaviour of women still has in the enlightened society, causes an equally double punishment: both public
and private. The institutional answer to this phenomenon includes hygienist and public order
worries during this century, in an atmosphere of intolerance towards bawdyhouscs. Prostitutes
and criminals are locked in two kinds of institutions: the Carcel de Galera and others that
wanted the rehabilitation and reintegration into society.