Tourism, resilience, and gender relations: The role of tourism in socio political transformation in Iran

Tourism is often seen mainly as an economic activity, but in some places it can quietly change society. This thesis shows how tourism has opened new economic and social possibilities in two Iranian islands, Qeshm and Hormuz, where daily life is strongly shaped by religious and political rules. Through three months of ethnographic fieldwork, the research explores how interactions between visitors and local communities can reshape norms related to gender, public space, and community life.

The main finding is that tourism creates small but meaningful spaces where people can act differently than before. Women and young people, in particular, gain new visibility and income opportunities. By running guesthouses, selling handicrafts, or guiding tourists, they strengthen their independence and challenge traditional expectations in ways that do not lead to open conflict. These everyday practices slowly shift local power relations and allow communities to reconsider established rules and behaviours.

The study also shows that resilience in these communities is not only about adjusting to change, but about using tourism to transform social roles and cultural expressions. Locals actively reshape traditions together with tourists, creating new forms of cultural identity and authenticity that reflect their own choices.

Overall, the thesis demonstrates that tourism can act as a catalyst for gradual social and political change, even in restrictive environments. It highlights how local people, especially women, use tourism to expand their agency and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable futures.