Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism in a Globalized World Wonders and Michalowski (2001) Global Forces: Tourism Migration Commodification “Engendered Globalization”
Some Arguments Global forces linked to consumption shaped the character of sex work in each city. Example… Sex tourism is a global social problem even though its expression is locally based (p.565).
Amsterdam ++ organized/ ++ stratified prostitution business is professionalized globalized sex tourists and sex workers the “otherly” bodies are… Specific policies: - legalization of brothels - regulating S & M practices
Havana ++ independent/ ++ disorganized (no 3 rd party) subtle trade/ “emotional labor”/ “sexualized companionship” globalized sex tourists, local sex workers the “otherly” bodies are… Specific policies: - changing currency regulations - changing on private property ownership - freedom for local taxi drivers
Amsterdam and Havana Similarities Differences
Main conclusions Global forces affect cities differently. It depends upon the cities position in the global economic order and the unique character of its local infrastructures and cultural histories. Other conclusions are…
Giving the Customer What He Wants Economist (02/14/98) Sex Industry accounts for more than $ 20 billion The impact of globalization: - international tourism - business travel - internet
Giving the Customer What He Wants Economist (02/14/98) “Women and girls can be enticed (or kidnapped) from poor countries, smuggled into rich ones and worked as sex slaves.” Social stratification also applies to sex industry Specialization according to customers expectations (examples from the Gulf states)
Pornography “… what really makes money is building a brand or finding a niche” The “home-video” industry - how much it represents overall? What obstacles does the Internet eliminate in dealing with pornography?
What follows? Will sex industry ever become an entirely respectable part of the entertainment industry? Political influence, commercial interest. Legalization decreases: - corruption - sexual crimes New professionalism?