Flower drinking and masculinity in Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Cultural Studies
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Hostess club culture is prevalent in Taiwan.
• Flower drinking, a practice involving alcohol consumption in bars, is common in Taiwan and often linked with prostitution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of hostess club culture in the creation and maintenance of masculinity in Taiwan.
• To examine how flower drinking practices contribute to male bonding and professional development.

Main Methods:

• Data collected through 58 in-depth interviews with men of diverse backgrounds (mean age = 38.50).
• 73 questionnaires administered to soldiers (mean age = 21.00).

Main Results:

• Proficiency in flower drinking and its social etiquette are key for male bonding and professional advancement, particularly for mid- to upper-class men.
• Flower drinking serves as a mechanism for men to differentiate themselves based on their choices and behaviors.
• Taiwanese masculinity exhibits unique characteristics compared to Western and Japanese forms, aligning with traditional Confucian ideals.

Conclusions:

• Hostess club culture and flower drinking significantly influence the construction and performance of masculinity in Taiwan.
• These practices reinforce social hierarchies and contribute to the ongoing relevance of traditional Confucian masculinity.