Title: Women and Coffee Shops: A Review of Phenomenological Perspectives
Authors: Amey Karimatul Fadhilah, Sukidin
Volume: 8
Issue: 12
Pages: 126-131
Publication Date: 2024/12/28
Abstract:
The phenomenon of women working in coffee shops reflects complex social, economic, and cultural dynamics. Using a phenomenological approach, this study focuses on the subjective experiences of women workers, including social domination by shop owners, motivations for working in this sector, and relationships with customers. Field observations and literature review revealed that women workers often face pressure to look good to fulfil customer expectations, often under exploitative working conditions. Economic and educational limitations are the main factors that drive women to work in coffee shops, although this work is often accompanied by social stigma. Relationships with customers reflect unequal power dynamics, with customers capitalising on workers' vulnerable positions for personal gain. The phenomenological approach helps explore the socio-economic realities experienced by women workers, providing insights for empowerment and welfare improvement efforts in the informal sector.