Date of Award
Spring 5-15-2015
Degree Type
Capstone Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies (BA)
Department
Cultural Studies
First Advisor
Jaafar Aksikas
Abstract
This project provides a postcolonial feminist analysis of the prosperity and reputation of the sex tourism industry in Thailand. It examines the ways in which Western imperialism created the space for the globalization of sex work, as well as providing a postcolonial analysis of the hegemonic structures which have existed throughout Thailand's history that enable the sex tourism industry to thrive today. This project also explores how policy making and enforcement in Thailand affects the sex tourism industry, as well as the ways in which activism works to change or support these policies, and how this affects individuals who are both trafficked into the industry and those who use their agency to participate. Ultimately, it will illustrate the different ways that Western colonialism and imperialism, both historical and contemporary, influence the global sex tourism industry.
Recommended Citation
Kelley, Kristen, "Patriarchy, Empire, and Ping Pong Shows: The Political Economy of Sex Tourism in Thailand" (2015). Cultural Studies Capstone Papers. 11.
https://digitalcommons.colum.edu/cultural_studies/11
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Cultural History Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies Commons, Tourism Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons, Urban Studies Commons