Simmel and Baudrillard on schoolgirl prostitution in Japan

Abstract

The present study is a theoretical work for discoveries in the neglected theories of Georg Simmel and Jean Baudrillard, and for assessment of the relevance of their theories in an application to a social problem. The first part of the study compares and contrasts their theories under the indirect influences of Schopenhauer's and Nietzsche's philosophy. It does so in terms of two common points between two social theorists: aesthetization of life as salvation from will and individualism. Regarding the first point, whereas Simmel's aesthetics is subjective and realistic, Baudrillard's is objective and hyperrealistic. Concerning the second point, while Simmel's individualism is transcendental, Baudrillard's is radical and yet has a declining tone. The first part concludes that Simmel can be seen as a moderate disciple, and that Baudrillard can be considered an extreme disciple. Also, it conclusively characterizes Simmel as an affirmative pessimist and Baudrillard as a nihilistic optimist. The second part of the study examines the applicability of the theories in the analysis of contemporary schoolgirl prostitution in Japan. It incorporates Jungian psychology and assumes that Japanese culture is Mother-Archetypal in general. Simmel argues women as primary manipulators over men in a flirtatious game and a shift of power from women to men in prostitution. By contrast, Baudrillard contends the masculine as a master sign, and yet recognizes that the masculine is reversed by women in a seductive game. He also observes sex as death. Based on the assumption, the second part holds that, for Simmel, schoolgirl prostitution is prevalent because of promoted individual freedom and money as a depersonalizing means in a money economy. For Baudrillard, in comparison, it is epidemic due to its characteristics of mass-consumption orientation, charitableness, and primitiveness. In addition, it conclusively describes schoolgirl prostitutes as a contemporary version of sacrifice for an excessive Mother-Archetypal culture in Japan.