Women and Tourist Work in Jamaica: Seven Miles of Sandy Beach

A. Lynne Bolles' ethnographic research examines Jamaican women tourist workers and their workplaces in Negril, focusing on emotional labor, face-to-face encounters, and the impact of tourism expansion on the local environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In her groundbreaking work, "Women and Tourist Work in Jamaica: Seven Miles of Sandy Beach," A. Lynne Bolles delves deep into the lives of Jamaican women who work as tourist workers, exploring the diverse workplaces they inhabit in the vibrant resort town of Negril. These women, who span from housekeepers to hotel and business owners, play a crucial role in the success of Negril's tourism industry. Bolles' ethnographic research employs a comprehensive lens to examine the intricate aspects of women's labor within the tourist industry, considering factors such as class, race, education, and training. Through the narratives of thirty interlocutors, Bolles sheds light on the profound impact of emotional labor and face-to-face encounters on these women's perspectives on tourism at the local level. She also explores their apprehensions about the changing physical environment brought about by the expansion of tourism.

This insightful study provides valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of Jamaican women who are actively engaged in the tourist industry. It highlights the complexities and challenges they face, as well as the ways in which they navigate and adapt to the changing landscape of their profession. By examining the intersection of class, color, education, and training, Bolles sheds light on the social and economic dynamics that shape these women's lives and work.

"Women and Tourist Work in Jamaica: Seven Miles of Sandy Beach" is a seminal work that contributes to our understanding of the role of women in the tourism industry and the broader social and economic implications of tourism development. It serves as a call to action for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers to address the issues and challenges faced by women tourist workers and to promote gender equality and social justice in the tourism sector.

In conclusion, A. Lynne Bolles' "Women and Tourist Work in Jamaica: Seven Miles of Sandy Beach" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of women's labor in the tourism industry. Through her ethnographic research and compelling narratives, Bolles provides a deep and nuanced exploration of the experiences and perspectives of Jamaican women tourist workers, shedding light on the critical role they play in the success of Negril's tourism industry and the broader social and economic implications of tourism development.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 237 x 163 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793615565