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Assignment 10

In “Between Love and Money: Sex, Tourism, and Citizenship in Cuba and the Dominican Republic” Amelia Cabezas discusses the concepts and deeper roots that have to do with the act of sex. In this case, she connects it to third world countries. She discusses the four S’s – sun, sand, sea, and sex. These four S’s are meant to create economic growth, as they attract international tourism. Soon enough, many studies have found that a large number of hosts and guests were being involved in sexual relationships, which explains the definition of the term sex tourism. Cabezas focuses on the benefits that sex brought about for individuals, especially women who look for advantages. These countries suffer from a lack of economic growth and political issues and, with time, sex labor became an accepted aspect of daily life. The growth of sex workers grew, people arrived at these countries in order to receive this special treatment. Besides the money, women also wanted opportunities and offers from men, such as emotional growth that could lead to marriage. It was a tactic that they adapted in order to strengthen their chances of a better life; an escape from their struggles and unfair exposure to the economic and social struggles of life in countries like DR and Cuba. Evidently, there was also inequality between female and male sex workers, as women are more likely to be judged or challenged by others because of their promiscuity. Men, on the other hand, have the advantage, as they are already seen as superior in society and do not have to be concerned with the discrimination or judgment on the same level as women. Ultimately, this idea of sex tourism is more than just an activity, but rather a socially accepted behavior. It is an act that is intertwined with romance, travel, marriage, and leisure, rather than just money.