Organization of prostitution regulation in Yaroslavl province in the second half of the 19th – early 20th century

Identificator

EDN: VWQBMG ; УДК: 351.764(470.316)"18/19"

Authors

Karandashev Gleb Vladimirovich, PhD in Historical Sciences, associate professor, associate professor of the Department of National History, Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University n. a. K. D. Ushinsky. Russia, Yaroslavl. ORCID: 0000-0002-7499-9254. E-mail: karandashevg@gmail.com

Journal

HERALD OF HUMANITARIAN EDUCATION №4 (40), 2025

Section

NATIONAL HISTORY

Pages

28-34

Abstract

The article examines the specifics of the organization of medical and police supervision of prostitution in the Yaroslavl province in the second half of the XIX – early XX century. A system of control over legal sexual services was established in the region, which was supplemented by the "Rules on the prevention of the spread of lascivious disease and secret prostitution in the Yaroslavl province. "The military command actively lobbied for increased supervision of prostitution, which contributed to the creation of mixed medical and police commissions in the large cities of the province. These commissions were engaged in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among the lower military ranks, which was an important step in combating the spread of infections and improving public health. Field work has been intensified thanks to management circulars and supervision by higher authorities. In the context of the authorities' growing concern about the health of the population, the regulation of prostitution has become a prominent element of government policy. Doctors and police officers, interacting within the framework of mixed commissions, sought not only to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, but also to improve sanitary conditions in places where sexual services are provided. They carried out regular inspections, monitored compliance with the rules and provided medical care, which contributed to an increase in the level of safety for the population. Nevertheless, the control system has caused significant criticism among the Russian public. There was a discussion about possible reform of the control system, the complexity of the problem and the need for a more humane approach to regulating this area were emphasized. Women who became official prostitutes were stripped of their passports, which limited their ability to travel and find employment. Medical checks were not carried out thoroughly enough, and clandestine prostitution continued to exist, which called into question the effectiveness of the measures taken.

Keywords

Russian Empire Yaroslavl province prostitution police brothel

Recieved

13.10.2025

Published

19.02.2026

References

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