The Eroticization of Labor in Cuba's All-Inclusive Resorts: Performing Race, Class and Gender in the New Tourist Economy

Abstract

This paper examines the eroticization of labour in Cuba's new, all-inclusive beach resorts where workers are asked to enact scripts of affective labour, sexual enticement, and servility in the delivery of their occupational roles. Most studies of sexualized labour argue that workers’ resistance is found in not complying with management's exigencies. Instead, in this paper I argue that workers’ resistance can be found in the appropriation of their sexualized labour to establish relationships with hotel guests that provide more direct benefits and opportunities for travel and migration.