Linking Household Registration Systems and Child Trafficking in China: A Routine Activity Theory Approach

• In Event: Impacts of Victimization and Systemic Challenges

Abstract

Child trafficking raises concerns in international communities as records report that the global number of trafficked children has increased 31 percent from 2019 to 2022. In China, child trafficking has gained much public attention on social media and the Chinese government has implemented various policies targeting child trafficking. Under the framework of Routine Activity Theory (RAT), this study explores the links between characteristics of child trafficking in China and the three elements of RAT (motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absence of a capable guardian). With qualitative thematic analysis of 100 cases collected from one of the largest Chinese social media platforms (DouYin), this study explores how the household registration system can be linked with child trafficking for its role in creating “left behind” children by increasing the suitability of targets while decreasing the effectiveness of guardianship; thus, increasing crime opportunities for motivated offenders. Future research and policy implications for preventing child trafficking in China are discussed.

Authors

• Jing Xiao, University of New Haven

• Kevin Barnes-Ceeney, University of New Haven