Introduction
Human trafficking is a global issue that involves coercing a person to provide services or labor forcefully, violating their human rights. Trafficking started in the sixteenth century, targeting individuals from all genders, backgrounds, and ages. Women and girls are the most targeted population trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation. In a recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), out of the 40 million people trafficked, women and girls comprise 29 million, 72 percent of the total (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). African women and children get trafficked annually in large numbers. The African tradition and culture have been the leading cause of trafficking in persons; cultural practices such as male dominance perpetuate the inhuman act. Society impacts human trafficking by creating vulnerable conditions such as poverty, unemployment, displacement, and cultural traditions. Using the historical lens in analyzing the topic enables the integration of past events to make sense of the current view on the issue. Human trafficking is extensively exposed to women and girls perceived to be weak for sexual exploitation and forced labor; history depicts culture as the main factor attributing to the inhuman act.
Human Trafficking Through a Historical Lens
In the contemporary world, people are still exposed to slavery through human trafficking or forced labor. Individuals get recruited, transported, and transferred through force, deception, or coercion. The victims are exploited by forced labor, organ harvesting, and sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is believed to have occurred since the sixteenth century when the Portuguese traveled to Africa, acquired enslaved people, and transported them back to Europe, where they were subjected to forced labor (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). History indicates that slavery was widely experienced; it was legal and was controlled for a very long period in human history across many continents and civilizations (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). In the beginning, it was only inflicted on Africans and extensively exploited by the European nations. From the 16th century, human trafficking was a regular act. Global efforts to end slavery have been in motion since the 19th and 20th centuries (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). In the contemporary world, communities and governments play a significant role in eradicating the issue but face many challenges.
Impact on Government and Private Institutions
Slavery has been in existence since the earliest form of humanity. The world began to move towards antislavery legislation in the mid-1800s, with Brazil, the second-largest importer of enslaved Africans at the time, banning the trade (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). In the American constitution amended in 1865, any form of involuntary service was outlawed; similarly, the Portuguese government in 1875 illegalized slavery and any form of trafficking that involved humans (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). Government institutions and other organizations got involved in the fight against human trafficking practices, considering them inhuman and against human rights. The resurgence of slavery in 1945 was mainly because of the high increase in population, corruption, and massive economic changes (Msuya, 2017). Modern-day slavery incorporates the illegal control of individuals subjected to forced labor, other exploitations, and human trafficking. One hundred sixty countries signed the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNODC) in Palermo, Italy, in 2000 (Winterdyk, 2019). It outlined a protocol focused on prevention, prosecution, and protection to eradicate human trafficking.
Human trafficking crime profitability has grown and continues to be a significant concern that government institutions have failed to address. Globalization has been a major factor facilitating the increase in human trafficking as people cross borders for varying reasons (Gezie, Yalew, Gete, & Samkange-Zeeb, 2021). Government institutions are now investing in the eradication of human trafficking by providing education to the public. Raising awareness reduces the vulnerability of the targeted populations. Financial institutions are the principal victims of human trafficking; they monitor and report any suspected illegal activities. Federal laws such as the USA Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act have been established to help fight in-person trafficking (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). Banks are expected to be extra cautious; if they fail and transact funds generated from human trafficking, they are subjected to heavy fines. The institutions face regulatory challenges, including identifying red flags and reporting.
The Shaping of Social Practices
Globalization has resulted in significant and rapid human changes, affecting society. Issues have shaped social practices that have evolved from globalization, such as human trafficking. Modern slavery, which involves trafficking, has risen from the old forms of slavery, such as chattel enslaved people (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). It is part and parcel of the unregulated economic world brought about by globalization. Many individuals are moving from rural to urban areas at an alarming rate, leading to the growth of cities. The movements lead to increased domestic and social violence and family disruption. Human trafficking is one such crime that has evolved due to the rift created between the rich and the poor. Globalization has introduced competitiveness, thus developing more individualistic societies (Gezie et al., 2021). The poor are exploited at the expense of the rich, shaping culture in a different direction.
The concepts of tradition, job, family, and national identity are rapidly changing. Fast change encourages a loss of tolerance for cultural and religious differences and emboldens fundamentalism (Washburn, Diener, Curtis, & Wright, 2022). A change in social practices increases the likelihood of vulnerable populations being exploited and their human rights being threatened. As a result, cases against humanity, like in-person trafficking, are on the rise in the twenty-first century. An example of how globalization has shaped the social practices of people in modern culture includes the 1994 crash of the stock market in Asia (Washburn et al., 2022). Many individuals lost their livelihoods, resulting in social unrest and poverty (Washburn et al., 2022). Additionally, suicide and domestic violence cases increased. A materialistic culture was created where nobody is bothered about others but only their benefits and interests.
Prevention Element
Across the world, there is the incorporation of institutional response against human trafficking. The prevention element is critical for institutions in response to in-person trafficking globally. The three main features identified in the Palermo protocol developed in 2000 are the protection, prosecution, and prevention elements (Gezie et al., 2021). Preventive initiatives have been developed to address the supply side, where education is provided to reduce society’s vulnerabilities. The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) was developed to help prevent human trafficking (Msuya, 2017). It prohibited in-person trafficking and slavery. Over the years, other carters have been written to counter the inhuman act of trafficking, including the Ouagadougou Action Plan, which encourages African states to adopt institutional, administrative, and legislative measures against in-person trafficking (Msuya, 2017). The element addresses the tactics of the human traffickers effectively. With the provision of targeted and accurate information, the public has become better prepared to respond to the continuous threat of human trafficking.
The prevention element is gradually benefiting from the changes within the globalization issues of human trafficking. Change is witnessed when the public is educated against the strategies traffickers use. In Africa, sub-regional efforts are in place to combat the act of trafficking. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Plan of Action on Trafficking in Persons, which started in 2009, is a perfect example (Msuya, 2017). With the formation of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent Trafficking in Persons in 2000, the human trafficking issue started to witness change (Gezie et al., 2021). The continuous fight against in-person trafficking enables government institutions and other non-governmental organizations to adopt new prevention measures (Gezie et al., 2021). With the application of experience and the sharing of lessons learned, better methods and actions will be attained. It is the most challenging measure to implement but the most sophisticated and productive if supported in the fight against traffickers.
Potential Obstacle
The population’s engagement in the fight against in-person trafficking has faced several obstacles to eradicating the inhuman act. Lack of awareness and shared understanding of what constitutes trafficking is a significant obstacle that can interfere with the population’s engagement in the fight (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). The only solution is providing education to create awareness, as the public is the most critical factor that can facilitate eradicating acts against humanity. Public awareness about the signs and risks of human trafficking is essential in any anti-trafficking strategy (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). It enables society to detect trafficking cases and work jointly with government institutions to end the act. The community needs to be mobilized and informed on the existence of in-person trafficking, which is widely spreading. Acquaintance must be drawn to all types, including labor trafficking, thus helping in its eradication.
Raising awareness has been the main objective as it is fundamental in attaining changes against human acts. The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), launched in 2007, was formed to advance action against in-person trafficking (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). It outlines some primary objectives, including raising awareness, strengthening prevention, reducing demand, and supporting and protecting all victims (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). The body emphasized creating awareness as it became evident people did not know what constituted human trafficking. The public recognition campaigns outline the different types of trafficking and their prevalence (Washburn et al., 2022). Apprehension enables the mobilization of the public, who are likely to encounter the acts firsthand. Change-making can only be possible if there is an informed understanding of the issue. Lack of acquaintance with the underlying issue is a significant obstacle to eradication.
Factors Impacting Human Trafficking
Several factors, including the traffickers themselves, impact human trafficking. Traffickers target vulnerable individuals in a society that are easy to exploit. The factors contributing to people being vulnerable to in-person trafficking can be viewed at a personal and societal level. In Ethiopia, attitudes like having a child abroad encourage acts of illegal migration (Gezie et al., 2021). Factors identified to be resultant causes of human trafficking include political instability, corruption, ineffective immigration policies, and poor government service provisions (Gezie et al., 2021). Generally, biases and beliefs of life being good abroad have impacted cats against humanity. Most exploited people believe that the working conditions and pay abroad are better than the locals without paying more attention to the different working conditions. Other factors identified as potentially exposing individuals to trafficking were dropping out of school, limited access to education, and illiteracy (Winterdyk, 2019). Most rural areas lack awareness of the realities of trafficking, thus making them more vulnerable.
Biases. There is a disparity between the opportunities available to women and men based on gender, thus raising gender inequality. Many cultures view women as being less important than men. The women are paid less for equal work and have less cess to education and health. They are expected to be submissive to the men, making them vulnerable to traffickers. Women and girls are the most trafficked and are subjected to sexual exploitation. African cultures depict women as inferior and, therefore, subjected to second-class citizen status. Biases in the mode of treatment between women and men promote trafficking as they become more vulnerable. In a 2016 International Labor Organization (ILO) report, about 40.3 million individuals were trafficked globally (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). The population comprises 29 million women and girls, 72 percent of the total (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). The statistics show that the particular demographic is highly vulnerable to traffickers.
Women and girls are highly targeted to be sexually exploited. They are sold to be involved in sexual acts forcefully and with no objection. Cultural practices are biased to a large extent as they portray men as dominant and women as their subjects. Social factors and cultural practices are significant causes of in-person trafficking, especially in Africa (Gezie et al., 2021). Women and girls are given low priority in education provision. In most communities, the male is to be educated first, but education is not necessary for women as their place is in the kitchen (Gezie et al., 2021). The old traditions are still deeply rooted in the minds of modern-day men, further exploiting the female gender. Unequal treatment in all fields, especially education, deprives females of knowledge about trafficking (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). They end up being used as they lack awareness.
Beliefs. There is the belief that life abroad is excellent and cheap, and jobs are available primarily in third-world countries. The false beliefs with no prior knowledge of the different work settings have prompted the victims to be exploited by traffickers. Community attitudes result in the reluctance to do particular work while at home but the willingness to do it abroad (Gezie et al., 2021). False beliefs like having a child abroad are considered a status measure and are also prevalent, leading to people getting exploited and trafficked (Gezie et al., 2021). Women and girls are devalued, used, and abused, creating hazardous living conditions for that group. The beliefs developed that degrade women are what promote their vulnerability to in-person trafficking. Cultural beliefs depict them to be not significant within society.
Cultural beliefs like wife inheritance in some communities promote trade. It lays the ground for potential discrimination against those who feel uncomfortable. The targeted individuals end up being exploited and become potential victims to traffickers as they search for freedom and relief. Early and forced marriages in some communities expose girls to sexual exploitation and trafficking (Msuya, 2017). Some elements, such as the patriarchal family structures in most African societies, result in the oppression of women and girls. A culture influenced by the emphasis on monetary success without consideration of how it is attained is likely to uncover the female gender to in-person trafficking (Msuya, 2017). Addressing in-person trafficking has been highly emphasized; however, acknowledging the beliefs and biases that are likely causes is not done (Winterdyk, 2019). Not much attention is paid to the desperation that forces individuals to get trafficked and face exploitation abroad.
Benefits and Challenges in Addressing Issues in Globalization
When the issues in globalization get addressed, it promotes equality, giving everyone the same treatment and opportunities. Issues like trafficking are effectively addressed by creating public awareness (Gezie et al., 2021). The results are positive as the act is prevented and in-person trafficking cases are detected. Decision makers can draft efficient policies, and law enforcement agencies get to know their ability to identify and protect victims. The perpetrators are prosecuted, and the inhuman acts are stopped from re-occurring. Addressing the issues related to globalization is vital to global economic growth (Gezie et al., 2021). Global competition increases, which drives down while providing options to customers. Higher standards of living are attained thanks to globalization. The first Millennium Development goals set in 2010 were achieved. Over 1.1 billion individuals moved out of extreme poverty by the year 2015. Equal opportunities are provided to enhance the financial stability of men and women with no discrimination.
Global literacy has increased, and feminism is making an advancement in the contemporary world. Women are now exposed to education irrespective of their culture. Equal opportunities for accessing education are provided to girls, and those found preventing them from schooling are charged (Ullah, Ali, Shah, & Ehsan, 2022). With the acquisition of education, women can now get jobs, thus attaining economic safety. The gap between those receiving an education was exceedingly filled between 1950 and 1999, from 52 to 85 percent (Ullah et al., 2022). The female population got access to education in large numbers reducing the gap. The number of children exposed to forced labor has drastically fallen in the labor field. In 1960 it was 25 percent, but by 2000 it had reduced to 10 percent (Ullah et al., 2022). Every child has a right to education, regardless of gender or race. Governments worldwide aim to provide affordable education to enable every child to access it without limitations (Msuya, 2017). The life expectancy of people in developing countries has doubled since world war two. Infant mortality has also decreased due to the benefits attained after adequately addressing the issues of globalization.
Challenges impede the addressing of issues in globalization by creating obstacles. Concerning the human trafficking issue, a lack of understanding of what constitutes the act is a significant challenge (Gezie et al., 2021). Threats from the traffickers have been deemed a factor that makes it impossible to address the problem. The victims are threatened and cannot seek help from the government as the officials are sometimes corrupted. Law enforcement attitudes toward immigrants and prostitutes hinder addressing issues of globalization (Gezie et al., 2021). Law enforcers’ perception of immigrants and prostitutes prevents them from realizing that the arrested persons may be human trafficking victims. With the introduction of technology, criminal activities are taking a new direction and are conducted more sophisticatedly (Cockbain & Bowers, 2019). Lack of education and awareness leads to the emergence of the issues, primarily when the vulnerable population is targeted.
Developing countries are disadvantaged in the fight against the issues presented by globalization. In terms of the economy, poorer nations suffer at the expense of the already-established nations (Ullah et al., 2022). Stronger countries can subsidize their farmers, but poor ones cannot make that possible. In turn, farmers from these countries rea forced to sell their products at a much lower price than the accepted one in the market. Income inequality is a challenge, especially for immigrants who get little pay in foreign countries. Employers continuously exploit foreigners as they are considered illegal immigrants who do not deserve high wages (Ullah et al., 2022). Workers get used to cheap labor due to the high demand for jobs. In overcoming such issues, institutions like the International Labour Organization (ILO) are present and set international standards to protect all workers (Washburn et al., 2022). With no interventions, the rich exploit the poor on all fronts: social and economic.
Recommendations
Using the historical lens in critical analysis examines the topic with a more historical approach. It enables the acquisition of in-depth knowledge of the issue getting researched, including its origin and the possible solutions outlined over the years. With this knowledge, making sound decisions at a personal or professional level is highly attainable. In my everyday life, integrating this type of analysis can facilitate my understanding of a social problem I might be interested in knowing. I recommended the following strategies for using this critical analysis to meet personal or professional goals. Identify a topic, idea, or research topic; conduct a background literature review; refine the research idea; determine the integration of the historical lens; identify local secondary and primary sources; evaluate the authenticity; finally, analyze the information and develop a narrative exposition of the findings. The steps must be followed step by step, thus ensuring a critical analysis through a historical lens. Using the above steps in any institutional or personal research is possible. All personal and professional goals can be attained with no complications.
Globalization promotes growth by increasing the interconnection of local and international economies globally. It can address day-to-day responsibilities as it emerge in different fields. Given that it covers various areas, practitioners can use any of the many forms to answer any questions they might have regarding the changes witnessed in the world. Examples include economic, financial, cultural, political, sociological, technological, geographical, and ecological organization (Ullah et al., 2022). The benefits cover many other areas, thus providing a better option for addressing any issue. The whole world is behaving similarly due to the effects of globalization. There is the daily consumption of similar goods, interdependent production, and response to the same impulse.
Personal Reflection
Critically analyzing the human trafficking issue in globalization has changed my perception of the community’s role. I believe the community did not have much influence in its eradication. From my analysis, I understood that the community plays a significant role in preventing trafficking. The community partners with the authorities to help free the victims and arrest the traffickers. Faith-based communities host events with anti-trafficking leaders to create awareness of the reality of the problem. My thoughts were negative as I viewed the community as a medium that allowed the human act. The government can not know all trafficking cases without the community’s help. As the analysis identifies, prevention is key to eradicating the problem. Communities are essential in preventing in-person trafficking as they can implement the element. I would not have been able to determine the importance of a community in eradicating the issue of globalization if I had not done the analysis.
Acknowledging My Biases
Examining my bias has changed my view on the different occurrences within the world. My perception of the world has changed completely; I have concluded that things are not always how we view them. It is necessary to critically analyze a situation to understand it and avoid being biased. Perception bias occurs when assumptions and untrue beliefs twist our views about other groups. My view on the community’s role in the fight against human trafficking was proved to be favored as the perception was false. I had concluded without paying attention to the full details and researching the topic. We need to acknowledge that biases can affect our decision-making. Self-awareness is essential as it lets us take note of our preferences toward a particular group. Confronting them allows us to learn and make necessary amendments. Awareness of our biases is crucial in helping change some discernments we might be holding against a particular group.
How Analyzing Globalization Can Influence My Profession
Critically analyzing globalization can influence my field of study as it enables me to acquire the knowledge I did not initially possess. Through its research, my understanding and analysis of its role and effects on our lives are intensified. The knowledge gaps I had on specific issues are examined and addressed as I become familiar and comfortable with uncertain situations. It enhances my ability to manipulate symbols like digital money, business terms, and legal terms, which are vital in the contemporary economy. Understanding the next big topic in my field of study is enhanced as globalization promotes my ability to acquire and utilize knowledge. Analyzing it equips me with the capacity to think independently and make sound decisions while collaborating with others to interpret new situations. The study of globalization aims to supplement knowledge vital to comprehend a topic. Knowledge is key in promoting understanding and is required in any field of study or profession.
Using the Social Sciences Lens
My analysis would have been different if I had used another general educational interdisciplinary lens. It would have meant analyzing my topic from another point of view. Using the lens of the social sciences would have made the critical analysis different as it would explore more of the social context of the issue. From this perspective, I would have focused on the problem’s ethical considerations, psychological effects, and consequences. That is, instead of identifying the origin of my concern and how it has taken effect over the past. My analysis would focus on the victims, the effects the issue causes on them, and the aftermath of it on society. I would have focused on using concepts, theories, and ideas to explain the interactions between human beings and the issue of globalization. The type of data used in the critical analysis would have also varied. Using the lens of the social sciences would have incorporated firsthand information, unlike the one used with the historical lens perspective.
My View on Critically Analyzing Globalization
In the world, people develop different perspectives, viewpoints, or cultures, making interactions difficult at some point. Critically analyzing globalization helps in understanding the various effects it has brought to society. We get to know the significant issues arising from it and how people within a community address the problem. This knowledge makes interactions with people with different opinions easy, as mutual understanding exists. Globalization is fundamental in shaping contemporary large-scale cooperation as interactions between individuals are increased. There is the convergence of traditions and the sharing of some cultural values. Being in constant intercommunication with others helps in understanding their way of thinking and their culture. It makes it possible to interact as we get to know where and when boundaries should be set.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is an issue in globalization and is experienced worldwide. It is a form of modern slavery in which many individuals are exploited due to harsh economic conditions and cultures, especially in developing countries. The problem was first experienced when the Portuguese traveled to Africa and enslaved the natives. Over the years, it has had its impact on societies, forcing the involvement of government and private institutions. The protocol for tackling the problem was outlined in the UNODC signed in Palermo, Italy. Globalization has significantly impacted the contemporary world, with more benefits than disadvantages. It has resulted in massive changes, both positive and negative. Human trafficking has emerged from these global changes and has been a significant concern as it goes against human rights. In the fight against trafficking, knowledge and awareness are essential preventive measures. The community plays a vital role in integrating the steps as they are in direct contact with the traffickers. Combining the historical lens in the research has facilitated understanding the origin of the issue discussed. The analysis has enabled me to acknowledge my biases and work toward preventing future similar occurrences.
References
Cockbain, E., & Bowers, K. (2019). Human trafficking for sex, labour, and domestic servitude: How do key trafficking types compare and what are their predictors? Crime, Law and Social Change, 72(1), 9-34. Web.
Gezie, L., Yalew, A., Gete, Y., & Samkange-Zeeb, F. (2021). Exploring factors that contribute to human trafficking in Ethiopia: A socio-ecological perspective. Globalization and Health, 17(1), 02-16. Web.
Kiss, L., & Zimmerman, C. (2019). Human trafficking and labor exploitation: Toward identifying, implementing, and evaluating effective responses. PLOS Medicine, 16(1), 01-03. Web.
Msuya, N. (2017). Tradition and culture in Africa: Practices that facilitate trafficking of women and children. Dignity: A Journal on Sexual Exploitation and Violence, 2(1), 01-30. Web.
Ullah, S., Ali, K., Shah, S., & Ehsan, M. (2022). Environmental concerns of financial inclusion and economic policy uncertainty in the era of globalization: Evidence from low & high globalized OECD economies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(24), 73-87. Web.
Washburn, T., Diener, M., Curtis, D., & Wright, C. (2022). Modern slavery and labor exploitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a conceptual model. Global Health Action, 15(1), 02-08. Web.
Winterdyk, J. (2019). Explaining human trafficking: Modern day slavery. The Palgrave International Handbook of Human Trafficking, 1(1), 1257-1274. Web.