‘—

Michael Li HW 11

It seems Cabezas approaches sex tourism as less of an explicit and formal exchange than many may think. Contemporary sex tourism is steeped in social dynamics. In exchange for their labor, sex workers will sometimes receive, in addition to money, food, clothing, and other necessities, or luxuries. Some tourist will even establish a means of communication with their foreign companion while over seas at home. This what many sex workers hope to get into. The desire for a long term relationship through the means of sex tourism is highly sought after because it provides a lasting security.

On both sides of the market the consumer and provider of service (sex workers) have a social status assigned to them. These assignments are usually dictated by the government (Cabezas 1008). Male sex workers are considered heroes while female sex workers are considered as being negatively impactful to society   (Cabezas 1008). It seems Cabezas links how this social perception affects the relationship between these sex workers and the government. They are unfairly treated based on the way they dress, their sexuality, and gender. Women, it would seem, are weighed more heavily in their actions and how they affect society. This leads to wrongful punishment through law enforcement and dehumanization of women in general as this does not happen to only sex workers (Cabezas 1007).

Cabezas asserts that, moving forward, government should work towards representing women’s rights and sexual rights more. Women’s body is currently controlled by social groups and the state whereas it’s agency should be depend solely on the individual herself.