Homework on "Should Feminists Oppose Prostitution" by Laurie Shrage

You will probably have to read the entire paper before answering these questions. What you turn in does not need to include the questions; just put the answers (and, of course, number them).

1. Does Shrage think all cultures see prostitution as bad? Why does she think this? (2 pts)

2. Shrage lists four beliefs or values that make modern Americans see prostitution the way we do. What are they? (2 pts)

3. In paragraphs 11 and 12, Shrage talks about the view that humans naturally have a strong sex drive. Are these paragraphs expressing her view, or the views of others? (2 pts)

4. Does Shrage think that humans naturally have strong sex drives, or does she think that our sex drives are the product of our culture? What evidence does she give to support her opinion? (2 pts)

5. What is the main point of paragraph 16? (When I say "main point," I'm asking for the overall idea that Shrage is trying to get across in this paragraph; why is she saying what she is saying here?) (2 pts)

6. Does Shrage think that the factors and ideas that make modern Americans see prostitution as bad are built into us, or are they products of our culture? (2 pts)

7. What does "hegemonic" mean (p. 9)? What does "subordination" mean (p. 2, 9, 17, 21)? What does "commoditization of sex" mean (p. 9, 12)? (Feel free to use a dictionary to help you on this) (3 pts)