An Analysis of Motivations and Typologies for the Consumption of Prostitution as Perceived by a Young Spanish Sample

Abstract

Abstract: Our study addresses prostitution as a phenomenon linked to the feminization of poverty, the exploitation of women, and gender inequality, highlighting the role of male demand in its perpetuation. Spain is positioned as one of the main destinations for prostitution, with a high incidence of men paying for sex, normalizing this practice. Male motivations, classified in categories such as loneliness, risk attraction, domination, and validation of masculinity, reinforce objectification and violence against women. The aim of this study is to explore the different motivational typologies of prostitution consumption perceived by the Spanish population, as well as the perceived differences between men and women with respect to these typologies. With a sample of 198 young Spaniards (57.1% female, M = 22.5 years), we used the Motives for Prostitution Consumption Scale (MCP). Factor analyses identified two main factors: experimentation and attraction to the forbidden and sexual needs, satisfaction, and companionship, consistent with previous typologies in the literature. Results revealed that women perceive control and dominance as predominant motivations, while men emphasize sexual and affective needs. The MPC demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency indices (α ≥ 0.70) and the ability to discriminate between groups with different perceptions of the motivations of women and men. Limitations include a predominantly young university sample and the need for further validation with more diverse populations. The study reinforces the importance of analyzing male motivations for prostitution use in order to design educational strategies to promote gender equality and reduce prostitution.