Exploitation of flight attendants' appearance in the Chinese airline industry

What is it about?

This research draws upon interview data focusing on recruitment and selection of flight attendants in three Chinese airlines to explore why and how women’s aesthetic labour was utilised in the Chinese airline industry. The study shows that aesthetic labour in Chinese airlines is demanded from women but not men. The research findings also indicate that aesthetic labour is continuously shaped by four influential contextual issues – legislation, labour market practices, national culture and airline management practices.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This study contributes to the understanding of the gendered aesthetics in the airline industry. It also offers new insights into the theory of aesthetic labour by locating it in a context that differs significantly from other socio-cultural contexts.