Forcing women to drink at business dinners has no place in modern China

A disturbing incident in Hangzhou has reignited conversations about the troubling norms surrounding women and alcohol consumption in modern Chinese business culture. The case involved a female employee allegedly being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol at a business dinner, eventually leading to assault and injury at a karaoke lounge.

This tragic event has sparked uncomfortable reflections on the deeply ingrained expectations placed on women in professional settings, where being able to drink and entertain guests is considered a valuable skill. The Hangzhou authorities have taken action, detaining and removing two executives from their positions over allegations of sexual assault.

The incident highlights the persistence of power imbalances and the societal pressures that compel individuals, particularly women, to conform to expectations that go beyond their professional capabilities. While China has made strides in curbing excessive public displays of power through anti-corruption campaigns and regulations, the underlying dynamics surrounding business dinners and alcohol consumption remain stubbornly entrenched.

The case underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to transforming power relations in professional settings, addressing not only formal regulations but also the cultural norms and hierarchies that perpetuate harmful behaviors.