A Process Analysis of Human Trafficking in Post-Socialist Countries

• In Event: Comparative Perspectives on Human Trafficking

Abstract

The nature of human trafficking could be considered the largest systematic abuse of human rights in our world today. In order to better understand and react to the issue, determinants of human trafficking need to be examined. Previous literature has examined issues relating to migration, economics, discrimination, and government response. This study hypothesizes that factors relating to economic and gender based inequalities as well as corruption and globalization act as “push” factors for human trafficking. Five countries formerly part of the Warsaw Pact were chosen for this analysis: Albania, Czech Republic, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. Macro-level data from these countries is used in conjunction with comparative-historical information to test this hypothesis. The hypothesis is tested using institutional anomie and socialist feminist theory through the small-N comparison method of process analysis. The results highlight how the transition from a centrally planned economy to a capitalist free market impacted women in a multitude of ways and is ultimately connected to their victimization through trafficking. Thus, in order to reduce victimization of women seeking migration, the socioeconomic conditions they face in their home country need to be addressed.

Author

• Sarah Hupp Williamson, North Carolina State University