Sex Tourism, How To Reduce It

13 Pages 3347 Words

REDUCING SEX TOURISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA:A DISCUSSION OF POSSIBILITIES
In the last few decades, sex tourism, particularly within Southeast Asia, has rocketed into a major industry for that region and become a magnet for men all around the world.  Millions of male visitors (both domestic and international) come to this region annually (Ackmar, 1997).  This profusion has led to an outcry from the global community, particularly feminist organizations who believe that prostitution is a crime committed against the bodies of women, and it only further asserts male domination. This paper seeks to explore under what circumstances one could expect to see a significant decline in sex tourism.  It posits that a major lifeline of this trade is linked to the severe economic catastrophe within this region, where it is common for families to send their daughters to the urban centers where they work and send home money. Similarly, it is such a strong source of revenue that many young men have undergone drastic sex change operations, often getting breasts implants and make-shift vaginas—hence the term Bangkok chickboy.
This paper argues that three major changes would need to take place for a significant reduction in sex tourism to come to pass.  The first, as argued by Leheny (qtd. In Wyllie, 2000) deals with a change in the tourist/guest populations: such as, new desires created by shifts in Southeast Asia’s promotional strategies. Secondly, a change in the labor opportunities faced by the young sex workers may slow the industry due to a lack of supply, and a decreased level of social acceptance.  Thirdly, if the government was strengthened and political stability was maintained, Ahkmar (1997) argues that private sector investment could be put into rural development. A new focus on sustainable, poverty-reducing development could drastically influence sex tourism in Southeast Asia.

A change in the methods used to attract tourists and hen...