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Contracting for sex in the Pacific War

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  • Ramseyer, J. Mark

Abstract

The protracted political dispute between South Korea and Japan over the wartime brothels called “comfort stations” obscures the contractual dynamics involved. These dynamics reflected the straightforward logic of the “credible commitments” so basic to elementary game theory. The brothel owners and potential prostitutes faced a problem: the brothel needed credibly to commit to a contractual structure (i) generous enough to offset the dangers and reputational damage to the prostitute that the job entailed, while (ii) giving the prostitute an incentive to exert effort while working at a harsh job in an unobservable environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramseyer, J. Mark, 2021. "Contracting for sex in the Pacific War," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:irlaec:v:65:y:2021:i:c:s0144818820301848
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irle.2020.105971
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ramseyer, J Mark, 1991. "Indentured Prostitution in Imperial Japan: Credible Commitments in the Commercial Sex Industry," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 7(1), pages 89-116, Spring.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Prostitution; Indentured servitude;

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