A recent New York Times article described the Japanese profession of hostessing, which involves entertaining men at establishments where customers pay a lot to flirt and drink with young women (services that do not, as a rule, involve prostitution). The jobs, the article said, are increasingly regarded as glamorous and coveted, because the dismal Japanese economy offers few opportunities for young women, let alone at the relatively high pay that hostesses can earn.
But could the popularity of the jobs reflect something more basic about the role and expectations of women in Japanese society? While hostessing is still not accepted as respectable by middle- or upper-class families, what besides the economy is fueling its popularity?
Four female scholars share ideas on contemporary hostess culture.
More here:
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/womens-work-and-japans-hostess-culture/