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assignment 10

In “Between Love and Money: Sex, Tourism, and Citizenship in Cuba and the Dominican Republic” Amelia Cabezas observes the act of having sex and all that is attached to it, more specifically in third world countries. Throughout history, the act of having sex changed. In earlier times sex was only correlated to reproduction. Of course, this thought has become more outdated today. However we can still recognize the stigmas that are attached to having sex. And by doing so, we can then break them down.

Cabezas discusses that sex has become a beneficial service to women in D.R. Sex labor was about more than the money it brought. Sex became a service (often taken place in resorts) that women used to gain opportunities that they would have had otherwise.  Cabezas explains that sex tourism allows women to navigate to a better life. It increases their chances to migrate. Money was not the only direct thing sex workers cared about. Sex can be exchanged for materials or offers. This was actually more preferred because it meant that the materials came with an emotional attachment, which would further the chances of a marriage proposal. Therefore the popular notion that people prostitutes themselves for money, is evidently a false conception. Sex tourism was more than the wages but more so the plausibility of life outside of their country, so they can flee from the economical and social disadvantages they suffered. Cabezas also talks about the double standard of sex that is presented in other countries. Men have an upper advantage in society. Male sex workers are less judged than female sex workers. Females are more likely to be challenged from authorities.

Sex is still heavily connected to ideas of marriage, procreation, and monogamous relationships. Third world countries like Cuba and Dominican Republic challenge this idea. It emphasized the more complex politics that is imbued in the act of having sex.