In postwar economic development, Japan has chosen a different way to neoliberalism. The government did not “step back” from the market or rely on the action of the “invisible hand”; it played an...Show moreIn postwar economic development, Japan has chosen a different way to neoliberalism. The government did not “step back” from the market or rely on the action of the “invisible hand”; it played an important role itself in economic development. Under the guidance and intervention of the state, Japan became an economic miracle and the most successful industrialized economy in the world, then experienced a collapse followed by great stagnation. Simultaneously, while Japan used to have the role of driver and leader of the regional economy before the collapse, it lost its advantageous position when it became stuck in great stagnation. Japan’s economic status changed drastically accompanied with its changing economic power. For an economy like Japan that cooperated highly with the state, the capacity of the state would have a huge impact on the economy, on both economic power and economic status. Japan’s changing economic power and status in the region became a mirror to reflect the changing state capacity in Japan.Show less
This research answers the question: “How did sex work regulation develop in South Korea and what are the effects of the current regulation on sex workers in South Korea?” The goal is to show that...Show moreThis research answers the question: “How did sex work regulation develop in South Korea and what are the effects of the current regulation on sex workers in South Korea?” The goal is to show that sex work in (South) Korea is not a recent phenomenon and that the current practice of criminalising sex work has negative consequences for sex workers. I explain why the oppression and empowerment paradigm fail to account for the complexities of the sex industry. In this thesis I embrace Ronald Weitzer’s polymorphous paradigm, which recognises the diversity of variables in the sex industry that is necessary to effectively analyse sex work in South Korea. Using Weitzer’s pillars for a “best practise” of sex work (visibility, eligibility, health, rights and safety) I analyse the situation of three different kinds of sex workers: female indoor sex workers, male indoor sex workers and Bacchus ladies. The results of this analysis show that criminalization of sex workers in South Korea does little to improve their living conditions and can create life-threatening stations. In conclusion, I opt for decriminalisation of sex workers in South Korea and emphasise the importance of involvement of sex workers in policy making and research.Show less
