Women in tourism: Shifting gender ideology in the DR

•This research builds on the scholarship in tourism and gender in Latin America.•The study found that tourism can influence gender ideology in the DR.•Highlights the changing divisions of labor and challenges to gender identity.•Increased women’s autonomy and conflict between partners is a result of tourism.•Notes the role of hegemonic structures that privileges transnational companies.

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which the employment of women in the tourism industry has challenged or reinforced the traditional machismo–marianismo gender ideology in the Dominican Republic. Semi-structured individual, coupled, and group interviews were conducted in 12 coastal communities to investigate residents’ perceptions about gender ideology as it intersects with the employment of women in tourism. The findings reveal tourism employment as a source of opportunity, with women gaining economic and social independence, but also conflict as women and men negotiate new gender roles and identities. Emphasizing issues such as the double workload, negotiating domestic tasks with partners, and tension resulting from employment, this study illuminates the pressing practical needs of Dominican women.