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Assignment 11

Amelia Cabeza, in “Between Love and Money,” did an interesting study where she interviewed male and female sex workers in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. She explains how the fact that these locations have become very popular among tourists is bolstering the sexual economy, otherwise termed “sex tourism.” Hospitality workers, such as those working in resorts, are often involved with sex work because of their direct contact with the tourists. A tourist may have their eyes on a particular worker, and that worker would actually welcome the chance to earn extra money by offering sexual services. Or, there may be gigolos who wonder around tourist-heavy areas in search for foreigners who will take their services. However, the term “sex tourism” becomes unclear in some cases, because of the element of love. Some people that Cabeza interviewed stated they didn’t have a material interest and was only out for companionship and romance. There were gay sex workers who denied any interest in monetary gain and in this case, the reason may be that the ability to express their homosexuality and to have sexual freedom was a gift in itself. Though some straight people choose gay sex because it is more profitable, there must be an element of desiring sexual freedom through sex tourism among those who are unable to have such freedom in their society. It’s difficult to say whether sex tourism is solely business or solely pleasure, but Cabeza also introduced another term that seems to encompass both elements: “emotional economy.” People actually form relationships through sex tourism, and some even strive for marriage and eventual migration. One of the interviewee, Yolanda, met several boyfriends while working at the resort, and her current boyfriend sends her money so she could support her family. It is hard to deny the element of love in their relationship, but it is without a doubt that money is an aspect that cannot be separated from their relationship. With that being said, however, there is the question of what takes priority, the love in the relationship or the need to support their family. If the other party is unable to support and send money, would that mean the end of the relationship for the couple as well?