Tech firms in China hire 'pretty' female cheerleaders to 'motivate' male programmers
A tech firm described programmers as "terrible at socialising"
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tech firms in China are raising eyebrows by reportedly hiring “pretty girls” to motivate programmers who are “are mostly male and terrible at socialising.”
In a scheme that has received complaints for being sexist towards both women and pedalling stereotypes of programmers, “internet companies across China are embracing programing cheerleaders, pretty, talented girls that help create a fun work environment” according to the state-run Trending China Facebook page.
The role involves “buying programmers breakfast, chitchatting and playing ping-pong with them” according to the page managed by China News.
The news page doesn’t detail how many tech firms have introduced the scheme, but photos show girls being taught how to be “motivators”, singing in the office, and playing ping-pong.
Internet companies across China are embracing programming cheerleaders, pretty, talented girls that help create a fun...
Posted by Trending in China on amp nbsp;Wednesday, 19 August 2015
It went on to say that a firm has said the scheme has “greatly improved [...] job efficiency and motivation” of its "mostly male" programmers who are "terrible at socialising".
One image shows a female programmer, but it doesn’t appear that firms have fired male cheerleaders.
Commenters on Facebook were not impressed by the idea.
“What a ridiculous job, why reduce women to only be valued by their looks and to assist males. Let them have a job at the desk using their minds!” wrote one woman.
“What about female coders? Do these guys hire male “motivators”?” said a male commenter.
“Sexism, exploitation and stereotypes abound!!” wrote a man.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments