If The Shoe Fits: China’s Nerd Perk
by Miki Saxon
A Friday series exploring Startups and the people who make them go. Read all If the Shoe Fits posts here.
Yesterday was my birthday and the last way I wanted to celebrate was to write a post.
But since it was for Friday, I thought I would share China’s version of bro culture.
China is a gender nightmare, in spite of having the world’s largest number of self-made female billionaires, as well as women holding down senior roles in many startups.
Employment ads specify the desired candidate gender and appearance along with soft skills.
Ms. Shen is a “programmer motivator,” as they are known in China. Part psychologist, part cheerleader, the women are hired to chat up and calm stressed-out coders. The jobs are proliferating in a society that largely adheres to gender stereotypes and believes that male programmers are “zhai,” or nerds who have no social lives.
Must be attractive, know how to charm socially awkward programmers and give relaxing massages.
Note that Shen holds a degree in civil engineering.
While the bias is far more overt, one has to wonder if the harassment and bullying is as common.
Image credit: HikingArtist
