The Madam as Teacher: The Training of House Prostitutes

New directions in research on prostitution

“…Research is scarce on both street-level pimps and the managers and owners of indoor establishments (brothels, massage parlors, escort agencies) (Albert, 2001;Brents and Hausbeck, 2001;Decker, 1979;Hausbeck and Brents, 2000;Heyl, 1977;Milner and Milner, 1972). Such neglect of management is unusual in the sociology of work and occupations, though researcher access is clearly more difficult in the prostitution arena.…”

Extracting Value from Their Environment: Some Observations on Pimping and Prostitution as Entrepreneurship

“…However, Heyl had preceded this study with a similar one in 1977 entitled "The Madame as Teacher" (Heyl, 1977). This is a significant distinction because it acknowledges the divisions of practice and takes cognizance of the different roles the Madame performs in separating the craft side of prostitution from its practice as a business.…”

The Sexual Exploitation of Girls in the United States

“…A study by Heyl (1976) explored the phenomenon of a Madam, whose purpose is to "turn out" novice prostitutes by teaching them the tricks of the trade. The Madam profiled in the study was identified by her trainees as a mentor, a protector, and a teacher of technique as well as self-defense procedures and sexually transmitted disease (STD) awareness.…”

“…The novices also reported that the Madam taught them how to hustle and strategize. A final role that the Madam filled for the novice sex workers was as an emotional supporter for the "post-turnout blues," which is the depression that many of the novices experiences when questioning their decision to become sex workers (Heyl, 1976).…”