Citation

Bales K. Int. J. Comp. Appl. Crim. Justice 2007; 31(2): 269-279.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Society of Criminology's Division of International Criminology, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

If the international community has achieved agreement on the definition of human trafficking, we still have only a partial understanding of what drives it. We know that poverty and vulnerability represent "push-factors" and that employment opportunity presents an important 'pull-factor.' But which of these factors is the most important? The regression analysis of 76 variables undertaken here confirms that corruption, poverty, conflict, and the 'pull' factor of opportunity are all significant predictors of trafficking. Some of the most obvious strategies for slowing trafficking, on the basis of this analysis, would include those activities known to reduce 'push' factors, such as measures to reduce governmental corruption in both origin and destination countries, population control measures, especially poverty reduction, and tackling international inequalities in wealth. International financial institutions should give incentives to programmes for land reform, education and training, and health care, rather than promulgate 'austerity' requirements that undermine such programmes.

NCJRS:
This article discusses the causes and effects of human trafficking. The author attempts to provide a viable and uniform answer to the question “what causes trafficking?” and addresses strategies designed to control the problem. It is evident that traffickers enter into this criminal career because of its high profit potential, low capital investment, and low risk of being caught. They take advantage of economic pressures, political instability/transition, and social/cultural factors and the victim’s desire for a better life or, in the case of children particularly, their vulnerability. However, the author contends, more information and deeper analysis is needed if we are going to achieve a better understanding of trafficking and its root causes. International and governmental agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have recognized this issue and are, for the first time, taking concrete steps to address the issues in a cooperative manner. Accurately defining the problem was the first step. The next is to answer two basic questions: What causes trafficking from a country? And, what causes trafficking to a country? From the answers the author states that statistical models weighing the factors in what drives trafficking to and from a country can be applied to determine what factors are the most important. Arguing that this is only the first step, the author admits that traffickers are inventive and opportunistic and will adapt to new enforcement measures quickly. Therefore, the challenge to authorities is to be prepared for these changes through information analysis and research. (NCJRS abstract)