Compensated dating, which originates from the Japanese phenomenon enjo kōsai, typically refers to instances where adolescent girls engage in dates with men in exchange for financial or social benefits. These dates often involve varying degrees of physical and emotional intimacies, ranging from hand-holding and kissing to fondling and sexual intercourse. Drawing from 33 in-depth interviews, participant observation, and cyber-ethnography, this study provides a qualitative analysis of the experiences of an under-researched group—-male clients. The study identifies a typology of compensated dating relational scripts based on their narratives. Although compensated dating is fundamentally a commercial transaction, many clients seek to develop genuine relational intimacy with compensated dating girls. Adopting sexual script theory, this research identifies four types of compensated dating experiences, only one of which can be characterized as strictly commercial sex trade devoid of emotional engagement. The study concludes that while compensated dating involves monetary exchange, it is less bounded than traditional forms of commercial sex; it is dynamic and encompasses varying levels of authentic intimacy.

Authors:
Cassini Sai Kwan Chu, The Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Cassini Chu is a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Metropolitan University. Her research areas are gender and sexuality, with a particular focus on the sociology of sex work and the phenomenon of compensated dating.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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