Advantage of Japanese Corporate Capitalism and its Reproduction of Patriarchal Power
In Anne Allison’s book “Nightwork: Sexuality, Pleasure, and Corporate Masculinity in a Tokyo Hostess Club,” she delves into the intricate dynamics of hostess clubs in Japan and how they intersect with Japanese corporate capitalism to perpetuate patriarchal power structures. The visits to these clubs by Japanese businessmen serve as a complex blend of work and leisure, ultimately reinforcing traditional gender roles and hierarchies within Japanese society.
One way in which visits to hostess clubs work to the advantage of Japanese corporate capitalism is through the reinforcement of a hierarchical power dynamic. According to Allison, hostess clubs serve as spaces where men can assert their dominance and control, mirroring the power structures prevalent in corporate settings. The interactions within these clubs reflect a sense of entitlement and authority that aligns with the hierarchical nature of Japanese business culture. As Allison notes, “The performance of masculinity at hostess clubs reinforces gendered power dynamics, where men hold the reins of control and dominance” (Allison, 1994, p. 87).
Furthermore, the commodification of intimacy and emotional labor in hostess clubs plays into the hands of Japanese corporate capitalism by blurring the lines between work and personal life. The men who frequent these clubs often view their interactions with hostesses as a form of entertainment and stress relief, creating a space where they can temporarily escape the pressures of their professional lives. This commodification of emotional labor reinforces the notion that women are there to cater to men’s needs and desires, perpetuating traditional gender roles and reinforcing patriarchal norms within Japanese society. Allison highlights this phenomenon by stating, “The hostess club experience commodifies emotional labor, reinforcing the societal expectation that women exist for male pleasure and comfort” (Allison, 1994, p. 112).
Moreover, the culture of hostess clubs contributes to the maintenance of male rule and patriarchy in Japan by normalizing and legitimizing male entitlement and dominance. The interactions between men and hostesses in these clubs often revolve around fulfilling male fantasies and desires, reinforcing the idea that women exist for male gratification. This perpetuation of gendered power dynamics serves to uphold patriarchal structures both within the confines of the club and in broader societal contexts. As Allison observes, “The performance of masculinity in hostess clubs reinforces traditional gender roles, where women are expected to cater to men’s needs and desires without question” (Allison, 1994, p. 145).
In conclusion, Anne Allison’s analysis of hostess clubs in “Nightwork” sheds light on how these spaces not only serve as sites of entertainment and leisure but also as mechanisms that reinforce patriarchal power dynamics within Japanese corporate capitalism. The intertwining of work and play in hostess club interactions perpetuates hierarchical power structures, commodifies emotional labor, and normalizes male entitlement, ultimately contributing to the reproduction of patriarchal (male rule) power in Japan. Through a critical examination of these dynamics, it becomes evident how hostess clubs play a significant role in upholding traditional gender roles and reinforcing societal norms that prioritize male dominance and control.
