Transnational American Eyes: Examinations of Travel

Abstract

This special issue of the Journal of American Studies of Turkey analyzes transnational travel through the lens of wealthy American women, focusing on their gendered experiences and cultural impacts. The articles argue that these women, though confined by societal norms, challenge traditional gender roles through their travels, shaping culture and providing for communities. The paper explores how travel serves as a form of escapism and cultural ambassador, blurring boundaries and reinforcing fluidity in social standing and place within gendered binaries. Key findings highlight the role of tourism in connecting and disconnecting individuals from global frontiers, while also trapping them in fixed spaces. The issue examines various case studies, including Nathaniel Hawthorne’s wife Sophia Peabody, wealthy Bostonian socialite Isabella Stewart Gardner, and Vietnamese immigrants, to demonstrate how travel influences perceptions of locale and social status. This work investigates the transnationality of space and its significance as a fertile ground for research.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)