Female entertainers had an unique position in Joseon society. They were highly trained and educated, while being part of the lowest social class. This study aims to determine the influence of the Confucian principles of female virtues on female entertainers in the late Joseon period. Analysis of The Story of Chunhyang is made, to compare female virtues of the story to those expected in society. The research objectives are to find if female entertainers were expected to obey Confucian female virtues of chastity, faithfulness and obedience and to compare the virtues of the elite women to those belonging to the lowest social class. Patriarchal societies control women’s sexuality in different ways. Required sexuality of female entertainers is analyzed and compared to the sexuality of elite women. Based on the pre-existing literature research was conducted using comparative method, compilation and descriptive method. Analysis of the literature demonstrated that Confucian principles of virtue did not apply to the lowest class of female entertainers. The results indicate that only the elite women of society were expected to obey female virtues. Sexuality of women was strictly controlled. Female entertainers were sexually exploited objects of desire. Further research is needed to identify the ways in which female entertainers were exploited and objectified.
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