Privilege in Tourism: Unequal Access and Its Societal Impact

Privilege and Tourism: Exploring the Implications of Unequal Access to Travel Opportunities Naomy Rodriguez Department of Anthropology ANT 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Professor Andrew Hernandez February 14 2023

Abstract This research paper examines the relationship between privilege and tourism, and its implications for individuals and society. Privilege, which is defined as an unearned advantage or benefit that a person possesses due to their social status, wealth, or identity, influences access to travel opportunities and experiences. The paper draws on various studies and literature to discuss how privilege shapes tourism, perpetuates inequality, and reinforces social hierarchies. The paper concludes by exploring the disparities on money privilege. Privilege and Tourism: Exploring the Implications of Unequal Access to Travel

Opportunities Tourism is an important and growing industry that offers numerous benefits to both tourists and the communities they visit. Tourism has become a global phenomenon that has significant economic, social, and cultural impacts on both tourist destinations and the travelers who visit them. However, it is also a domain that is fraught with issues of privilege, power, and inequality. Privilege refers to the advantages that some individuals or groups enjoy based on their social status, wealth, race, or other factors. Additionally, the benefits of tourism are not evenly distributed, and issues of privilege and power are pervasive within the industry. Tourism has both positive and negative implications for privilege. On the one hand, tourism can create opportunities for economic development and promote cultural exchange. This essay explores how privilege operates in the context of tourism and how it exacerbates existing inequalities, with a specific focus on how tourists treat workers based on research. One of the most obvious examples of privilege in tourism is the uneven distribution of wealth and resources between tourists and local communities. In many popular tourist destinations, tourists have access to amenities and experiences that are simply not available to the local population (Higgins, 2021) . They stay in luxurious hotels, dine in expensive restaurants, and engage in leisure activities that are beyond the means of many locals. This can create a sense of resentment and frustration among local communities who feel that they are being excluded from the economic benefits of tourism. Privilege manifests in tourism through economic inequality. Wealthy tourists have the privilege of being able to travel and access exclusive amenities, such as high-end hotels, restaurants, and experiences that are often beyond the means of the local population. According to the research I had conducted, when prompted with the question “ What is a common trend that you observe with the guests you speak to,” the

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participant expressed that they hardly saw any New Yorkers visiting the site. This can lead to the exclusion of locals from the benefits of tourism and reinforce existing economic disparities. Privilege is evident in the way tourists treat workers in the tourism industry. Workers, particularly those in the service sector, are often subject to mistreatment by tourists. For instance, tourists may be rude, condescending, or exploitative, particularly towards workers from lower- income backgrounds or from marginalized communities. These workers are often in precarious employment and may be vulnerable to abuse from tourists who have more power and financial resources (Walker, 2016). Tourism is a significant issue in many destinations around the world, and has a number of causes and consequences.One of the primary reasons that tourism leads to mistreatment of workers is the power dynamic between tourists and service workers. Tourists often have more power and influence than workers, particularly those from marginalized communities. This can lead to tourists being rude, condescending, or exploitative towards workers, who may be in a vulnerable position due to their reliance on tourism for their livelihoods.Moreover, tourism can contribute to the marginalization of workers in the industry. Many workers in the service sector are in precarious employment, with low wages and limited job security. This can make them particularly vulnerable to mistreatment by tourists, who may feel entitled to demand services at low prices or treat workers poorly due to their perceived power (Walker, 2016). This idea was further perpetuated by the study conducted. There was generally a mistreatment towards workers. Furthermore, the global nature of the tourism industry can exacerbate issues of mistreatment of workers. Many tourists come from affluent societies, which can lead to cultural

misunderstandings and biases when interacting with workers from different backgrounds. This can contribute to a lack of empathy and understanding, leading to mistreatment of workers. In addition, the seasonal nature of the tourism industry can lead to instability in employment for workers, particularly in regions where tourism is a dominant economic activity. This can lead to a lack of job security, which can contribute to a sense of desperation and vulnerability among workers. This can make them particularly vulnerable to mistreatment by tourists, who may be more inclined to take advantage of their precarious situation. Additionally, the commodification of local cultures and traditions can also contribute to the mistreatment of workers in the tourism industry. Many tourists expect workers to conform to preconceived notions of what is authentic or traditional, which can lead to a lack of respect for workers and their cultural practices. This can contribute to a sense of disrespect and exploitation, which can lead to mistreatment of workers (Walker, 2016). Money privilege and racial privilege are two forms of privilege that intersect in complex ways. Both forms of privilege have significant impacts on an individual's life experiences, opportunities, and access to resources, and the intersection of these forms of privilege can have significant consequences for marginalized communities (Bowman, 2020). One way in which money privilege and racial privilege intersect is through economic disparities. In many societies, racial minorities are disproportionately represented in low-income communities, and therefore have limited access to resources and opportunities that are available to more affluent communities. Hill notes that zoning laws often use language that creates exclusive and homogenous communities, while environmental activism can prioritize the concerns of white middle-class communities over the needs of communities of color (1998). One of the aspects considered in my research is how tourism in my site has affected the surrounding community.

The interviewee mentioned that they lived in chelsea which is one of the surrounding communities. Its rent controlled where they live but they have heard of a lot of people moving out because of the increase in rent. A lot of these people had to move to other boroughs such as the Bronx or brooklyn. While tourism may offer an economic boost, it also hinders the affordability of the surrounding area and may even impact housing. This can perpetuate economic inequality and reinforce privilege for those with greater financial resources, who are often white (Joppe, 2011). Moreover, the intersection of money privilege and racial privilege can lead to exclusion of marginalized communities from social and cultural activities. Many leisure and cultural activities are expensive, and therefore only accessible to those with greater financial resources. This can lead to the exclusion of marginalized communities, who may not have the means to participate in these activities, reinforcing racial privilege for those who can afford to participate. Furthermore, the intersection of money privilege and racial privilege can contribute to the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and biases (Bowman, 2020). Wealthy white individuals may use their financial resources to create segregated communities or engage in discriminatory behaviors, reinforcing racial privilege and perpetuating racial inequalities (Joppe, 2011). The intersection of money privilege and racial privilege is a complex and significant issue with wide-ranging consequences. It is important for individuals to be aware of their own privilege, and to work to promote equity and social justice in their communities. Additionally, policymakers and institutions must work to create a more equitable and just society, with access to resources and opportunities for all members of the community, regardless of their race or financial resources. Only then can we create a society that is truly inclusive and just (Joppe, 2011).

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In conclusion, tourism is a complex and multifaceted industry that operates within systems of privilege and power. Tourists must be aware of the privilege they possess and strive to engage in ethical tourism practices that promote equality and mutual respect. The way that tourists treat workers in the tourism industry is particularly important, as they are often in precarious employment and may be vulnerable to mistreatment. Tourism has the potential to be a force for positive change, but this can only be realized if tourists engage in respectful, empathetic, and ethical behavior, and recognize their own privilege and the responsibility that comes with it. References Bowman, M. (2020). Privileged Ignorance, “World”-Traveling, and Epistemic Tourism. Hypatia,

35(3), 475-489. doi:10.1017/hyp.2020.25 Higgins-Desbiolles, F., et al. (2021). “Socialising Tourism After COVID-19: Reclaiming Tourism as a Social Force?” Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 8, no. 2, Emerald Publishing Limited, pp. 208–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/jtf-03-2021-0058. Hill, J. H. (1998). Language, Race, and White Public Space. American Anthropologist, 100(3), 680-689. Joppe, M., & Yong, S. S. (2011). Tourism impacts: Evidence of impacts on employment, gender, income. Anatolia, 22(2), 190-202. doi: 10.1080/13032917.2011.565565 McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Peace and Freedom Magazine, 10-12. Walker, J. R., & Walker, J. T. (2016). Tourism and hospitality. In J. R. Walker & J. T. Walker (Eds.), Introduction to hospitality (pp. 3-33). Pearson.

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