(De)Constructing Stereotypes

Media Representations, Social Perceptions, and Legal Responses to Human Trafficking

Bibliographic Data

ID7315599
AuthorsSilvia Rodríguez-López (0000-0003-1542-0182, Universidade da Coruña, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume4
Issue1
Pages61-72
Publication date2018-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Human Trafficking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2332-2705 • E-ISSN: 2332-2713
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23322705.2018.1423447
OpenAlexW2782647721
LanguageEN
Citations received34
References cited27

The way the media portray human trafficking has a significant influence onthe construction of social perceptions and, consequently, on the develop-ment of a legal framework to fight this crime. Stereotypical ideas, based onthe existence of an“ideal victim,”which oversimplify the complexities ofhuman trafficking and leave potential victims unprotected, have alwaysbeen present in anti-trafficking laws. From the first conventions for thesuppression of the so-called“white slave trade”to the most recent legisla-tive changes, the treatment of trafficking has focused exclusively on pros-titution, migration, and organized crime. Only recently has this focus shiftedslightly toward a more comprehensive approach, centered on the protec-tion of victims. Through a critical analysis of the historical evolution ofinternational and European law, this article will illustrate the close interrela-tion between media, social awareness, and legal responses to humantrafficking

Criminology · Human rights · Human trafficking · Ideal (ethics · Legislature · Perception · Political science · Social media · Sociology · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Law · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access