Journal of Progressive Human Services
Volume 26, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 22-45

The Social Construction of Trafficked Persons: An Analysis of the UN Protocol and the TVPA Definitions (Article)

Doherty Y.K.* , Harris A.
  • a Sociology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
  • b Department of Social and Cultural Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the discourse surrounding trafficked persons. The U.S. federal government constructs human trafficking as “illegal immigration” and “prostitution.” As such, it may prioritize punishing those who violate trafficking laws. In order to examine this, a content analysis was conducted examining the United Nations Protocol on Human Trafficking and the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Findings suggest that the way in which these laws construct the meaning of trafficking and the surrounding discourse may be influenced by political agendas and subsequently may also influence the utilization of policies and the allocation of social services. © , Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Illegal immigration Social construction Prostitution Human trafficking notion of consent

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84921295009&doi=10.1080%2f10428232.2015.977378&partnerID=40&md5=afb5b366c9fe65a4944a94eeecb1ac1c
DOI: 10.1080/10428232.2015.977378
ISSN: 10428232
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English