I know what you're getting at. But women have always thrown themselves at low status guys. It's not a recent phenomenon. Like so much with women, it does not make logical sense; however, it may make biological sense as a way to keep the gene pool diverse. Or, as one woman put it: a bad ass makes a girl's heart beat faster.
In the 19th century, prostitution was far more prevalent. The big Eastern US cities and lots and lots of bordellos.