Meaning: The quote you provided is from Henry Mayhew, a prominent journalist and social researcher in Victorian England. This quote is from his work "London Labour and the London Poor," which was first published in the mid-19th century. In this monumental work, Mayhew conducted extensive interviews and research to shed light on the lives and struggles of the underprivileged and marginalized members of society. The quote specifically refers to a group of women in London's parks who engaged in prostitution as a means of survival.

Mayhew's characterization of these women as "degraded creatures" and "utterly lost to all sense of shame" reflects the prevailing attitudes of the time towards individuals involved in sex work. Victorian society was deeply conservative, and there was a widespread belief that engaging in prostitution was a moral failing and a sign of personal depravity. Mayhew's use of such language not only reflects the prevailing attitudes of his time but also serves to draw attention to the harsh realities faced by these women.

The reference to "wandering about the paths most frequented after nightfall in the Parks" suggests that these women operated in public spaces, likely to attract potential clients. Parks were known to be gathering places for individuals seeking companionship and entertainment, and for women without other means of support, they often became sites for soliciting clients.

Mayhew's mention of these women "consenting to any species of humiliation for the sake of acquiring a few shillings" underscores the desperation and destitution that drove many women into prostitution during this period. The economic hardships faced by women, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, often left them with few options for earning a living. The fact that these women were willing to endure humiliation and degradation in exchange for meager earnings speaks to the dire circumstances they found themselves in.

It's important to note that Mayhew's work was groundbreaking in its approach to documenting the lives of the urban poor. By giving a voice to those who were often marginalized and overlooked, he sought to create a better understanding of the social and economic conditions that perpetuated poverty and exploitation. His writings on prostitution and the plight of these "Park women" played a significant role in raising awareness about the harsh realities faced by marginalized women in Victorian society.

In conclusion, Henry Mayhew's quote provides a stark and unflinching portrayal of the lives of women engaged in prostitution in Victorian London. It serves as a reminder of the social and economic challenges faced by women during that era and the harsh judgments they often endured. Mayhew's work continues to be a valuable resource for understanding the historical experiences of marginalized communities and the broader social, economic, and moral attitudes of the time.