The Dark Side of Aesthetic Labor: Ethics and The Atmosphere of Sexual Harassment

Abstract

This study examines the socio-cultural and economic dimensions of aesthetic labor, focusing on the conditions that foster a climate of sexual harassment within the workplace and how workers engaged in such labor respond to it. The research interprets the interconnections between aesthetic labor and related concepts, particularly the embedded patriarchal codes within aesthetic labor. Through in-depth interviews with 37 women working in the entertainment industry, the study provides a descriptive analysis of how the dimensions of aesthetic labor contribute to creating environments that are conducive to sexual harassment. Findings suggest that women in this sector often perceive harassment as an inherent part of their jobs and develop various coping mechanisms. Furthermore, the study reveals that businesses frequently adopt patriarchal responses to harassment or disregard it altogether due to concerns about profitability and competitiveness, thus normalizing sexual harassment and perpetuating a hostile work environment. This study argues that, by situating aesthetic labor within broader discussions on work ethics, such labor practices not only commodify the female body but also intensify gender-based vulnerabilities in service delivery processes, particularly in the entertainment industry. The research calls for ethical and policy interventions to safeguard workers’ dignity and counter the normalization of harassment, advocating for accountability that respects work ethics and promotes safer environments.