Lead Section Editor: Venessa Garcia
Co-Editors: Elaina Behounek, Kerry Richmond, Andrea Nichols
Busch-Armendariz, Noël B., Nsonwu, Maura, and Cook Heffron, Laurie. 2018. Human Trafficking: Applying Research, Theory, and Case Studies.
Reviewed by: Nikayla Williams, Graduate Student, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis.
This text is heavily informed by a breadth of research that includes data collection and peer-reviewed publications as well as interviews and surveys from various professionals, victims, and survivors. The vast scope and dimensions of human trafficking are examined from an ecological perspective that addresses social and economic injustices at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The first section of the book focuses on a holistic approach to understanding human trafficking. Chapter one aids as an introduction to human trafficking viewed from a human rights perspective, emphasizing the universal right of humans to live safe and free from exploitation. In this chapter, policy efforts that have been put forth to identify and combat trafficking are defined. Common language used in human trafficking policies such as force, fraud, and coercion are given situational context to help the reader better comprehend what the language implies. The authors discuss the prevalence of trafficking and acknowledge the skepticism regarding the accuracy of trafficking estimates as well as how the varying definitions of human trafficking impact methodologies and data collection.
The second chapter explores the history of slavery and understanding its connection to trafficking, which the authors refer to as modern-day slavery. The repercussions of slavery and the oppression that exist today allow for modern-day slavery to prevail. The authors identify similarities that exist between the two, the most prominent similarity being economic profit. For years slavery has been a part of the United States, and although legislative reforms were enacted, violations of human rights superseded. Various abolitionists are identified for their moral absolution to human rights. Survivors in the current day possess a similar resilience.
Chapter three provides an in-depth analysis of terms, definitions, and intersectionality that are encompassed in human trafficking. This chapter is centralized around critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality. The focal point of CRT is on equity that is not achieved primarily through the expansion of existing resources but through responsiveness based upon liberation. Furthermore, CRT not only recognizes racial oppression but the intersectionality of gender and class as well. Human trafficking, as a matter of social justice, intersects with numerous societal issues that make it difficult to declare a universal definition, especially in consideration of region and migration. The chapter identifies the numerous forms of trafficking and circumstances that put some individuals at a higher risk for being trafficked.
The economics of human trafficking are examined in the fourth chapter. Demand theory, cost-benefit economic theory, and migration theory are lenses through which a conceptual framework is provided. Just as it is difficult to determine the prevalence of human trafficking, it is difficult to calculate the cost of illegal activity. The chapter identifies increased risks for human trafficking that are found within certain industrial characteristics and industries. Lastly, the chapter includes methodologies that are used to estimate the economic impact of human trafficking which include the cost-benefit analysis to implement an intervention to reduce trafficking and the cost that could be avoided through an intervention.
Section two focuses on a holistic approach at micro, mezzo, and macro levels in regards to understanding, disruption, and interventions. Chapter five discusses micro level practices and interventions from a strengths-based approach that is trauma informed. Providing protection to those impacted by trafficking is emphasized through short and long-term services, however, in order to provide services, agencies must be knowledgeable on populations that are most vulnerable. This chapter covers the barriers to identifying and screening for victims as well as important terminology and typologies of victims and traffickers. Furthermore, the chapter addresses cultural competence, best practices of service delivery, and a survivor-centered approach that are critical for working with victims.
In the sixth chapter, mezzo level interventions are discussed. At the mezzo level, the importance of self-awareness is highlighted as working within this population may result in compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and secondary trauma. Mezzo level interventions require organizational structure, program development, and system changes that are necessary to effectively address human trafficking. The chapter examines push and pull factors that are attributed to the root causes of human trafficking, that involve understanding mezzo level system responses. The chapter also explains controversies regarding social and legal services with an emphasis on law enforcement strategies.
In chapter seven, feminist theoretical approaches are introduced stressing the importance of the public discourse around political structures that reinforce and perpetuate oppression, from which trafficking is able to persist. The chapter provides an overview of global and United States policy responses that are intended to address and counter the matter of human trafficking. The authors provide dialogue around prevention, intervention, and accountability as being central components to intercept human trafficking.
Section three is a holistic approach to taking action, understanding collective impact, and individual action. In the final chapter, the importance of an interdisciplinary approach is accentuated to stress the importance of collaborative models to address human trafficking. This chapter discusses the controversial and unintended consequences that arise when systems operate independently from one another. More so, the authors provide readers with ways they may contribute to the anti-trafficking movement on an individual level and through coalitions.
This text is relatively academic based and influenced by social work, however, its scholarship is applicable to any profession that interacts with trafficking. Each chapter begins with a case study from professionals, victims, and survivors to illustrate lived experiences. The case studies are helpful in giving the reader realistic situations that can be related to the rest of the chapter.