The Role of Media in Constructing Perceptions of Female Involvement in Human Trafficking

• In Event: Human Trafficking and Sex Work

Abstract

Female offenders are seldom studied by criminological scholars. This is certainly the case regarding offenses like human trafficking and sexual exploitation. However, the number of women suspected of being a perpetrator of human trafficking should not be underestimated. Worldwide, 38% of the suspected perpetrators is female and perpetrators who have their origins in Central Europe and Eastern Asia are even twice as much (68%) a suspect of human trafficking than their male counterparts (32%) (UNODC, 2014). In this paper we present the results of a content-analysis on the role of media in constructing perceptions of human trafficking and human smuggling. Using articles published by De Telegraaf (largest Dutch newspaper belonging to popular press) and De Volkskrant (largest newspaper belonging to quality press), we analyzed how many articles were published concerning human trafficking and smuggling in 2014 and 2015, and how these newspapers portrayed the offenders and victims. Differences between male and female offenders and victims are analyzed as well as differences between victims of trafficking and victims of smuggling. This paper finishes with a discussion on the implications of media coverage and the potential to influence the public and political discussion on human sex trafficking.

Author

• Miriam Wijkman, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam