Economics of Human Trafficking, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The concept of smuggling human beings from one place to another is not unique, yet it remains a significant and serious challenge for many governments throughout the world as they struggle to understand the scope of this problem and how it impacts economies and labor markets. Specifically, there is a strong need to better understand the impact of human trafficking on economic conditions in different countries, including how this concept is perceived by individuals throughout the world. This perception may be viewed as distorted in many respects, yet it is the reality of some situations and must be considered more closely as a means of understanding different sides of the debate. There are considerable issues surrounding the economics of human trafficking that must be considered, as they offer an argument that goes beyond the humanistic perspective for which some individuals support this premise, even if it is an ethically unacceptable practice. Human trafficking is a deplorable offense against human beings, and it reflects a serious set of challenges that have lasting impacts in many areas. However, the economics of this practice must be considered as part of a larger discussion, as they represent a means of justification for these activities by some who commit these crimes. The following discussion will address the economics of human trafficking in greater detail and will emphasize the relevance of this practice as an economic issue that in spite of its ethical consequences, remains a popular means of making money for many criminals and crime groups throughout the world.

Analysis

Criminal organizations throughout the world support human trafficking for a variety of reasons, and one of the primary reasons is to make large amounts of money in a short period of time, thereby making this a business proposition with many lucrative and profitable advantages (Wheaton, Schauer, & Galli 114). According to the authors’ perspective, “We envision human trafficking as a monopolistically competitive industry in which traffickers act as intermediaries between vulnerable individuals and employers by supplying differentiated products to employers. In the human trafficking market, the consumers are employers of trafficked labour and the products are human beings” (Wheaton et.al 114). In this context, it is observed that human trafficking is representative of much of the modern world in areas where crime runs rampant and human beings are treated like slaves rather than people (Wheaton et.al 114). Based upon this perspective, it is evident that human trafficking is more than simply a behavioral choice; rather, it is a way of life that contributes to any number of highly lucrative conditions for those involved (Wheaton et.al 114).

It is also known that “Economics models the labour supply decisions made by vulnerable individuals. Thus the individual’s decision of whether to supply labour is of vital importance to the economic model. Whether the outcome of the individual’s choice in the human trafficking market is labour or sexual exploitation is of importance for policy determination, but does not change the economic model” (Wheaton et.al 115). From this perspective, the concept of human trafficking may assume different forms, yet it requires an understanding of the different elements that contribute to its economic basis and its perceived advantages for many people (Wheaton et.al 115). It is expected that individuals who participate in human trafficking will do so for monetary reasons; however, those who are victims of the trafficking behavior do not typically have a choice in these matters, as they are forced into these situations under duress in many cases (Wheaton et.al 115). In spite of the potential crimes that are committed against humanity, there is nonetheless a primary focus on the economics of these actions and how they impact individuals in many different ways (Wheaton et.al 115). Therefore the economic nature of human trafficking often takes precedence over the ethical nature of these actions and how they impact human beings and their overall welfare (Wheaton et.al 115).

One of the key factors of prevention to consider with human trafficking is to eliminate the economic advantages of this practice as best as possible, using the resources that are available throughout the world (Wheaton et.al 116). Under these conditions, it is possible to address how human trafficking practices are conducted and to recognize the value of overcoming these issues through the development of a framework that makes using human trafficking as a tool to acquire labor as a consequence rather than an advantage (Wheaton et.al 116). In other words, it is of critical importance to cut off the labor supply that is available through human trafficking so that this type of activity is no longer attractive to those who are in this business (Wheaton et.al 116). It is also necessary to adopt a perspective that does not condone human trafficking under any circumstances, including those that involve labor support and money exchange, as the ethical consequences of these behaviors far outweigh the risks (Wheaton et.al 116). One of the primary reasons why human trafficking runs rampant in so many areas is because there is a significant level of corruption throughout political and law enforcement groups, thereby enabling these activities to continue at rapid rates, in spite of their disadvantages and negative outcomes for humanity (Wheaton et.al 117). In this context, it is observed that organizations must focus on the different factors that impact human trafficking from an economic perspective and aim to reduce these instances, along with a need to develop new ideas that will be effective in overcoming the continued increase of human trafficking in some countries where power and corruption are above all other objectives (Wheaton et.al 117). It is important to identify areas where corruption might be reduced or minimized in favor of alleviating the problem of human trafficking, but in reality, this premise is far away because it limits the ability of individuals to be receptive to change and to be responsive to the needs of nations and the corruption that currently exists (Wheaton et.al 117).

From another economic perspective, human trafficking is an attractive market for some individuals and groups because it has a significant impact on profitability and the achievement of power in some groups (Wheaton et.al 117). For these reasons, “Traffickers encounter few barriers to entering the market when they see profit being made by other traffickers or exiting the market if they find they are not making a profit” (Wheaton et.al 118). Therefore, it is important to identify areas where human trafficking might be an attractive and economically feasible opportunity, yet it does not reflect a humanistic perspective (Wheaton et.al 118). On the contrary, these efforts obliterate some of the key principles of the human condition and human rights, thereby treating individual human beings as pieces of property and in which their freedom of choice is taken away from them (Wheaton et.al 118). This is an important reminder of the challenges that are associated with human trafficking and how it has established a new perspective that is grounded in the economic advantages that it provides to the masses (Wheaton et.al 118). This perspective is also important because it shapes how individuals view human trafficking, as part of a larger framework that facilitates economic opportunity over human welfare (Wheaton et.al 118). Therefore, it is important to aim to overcome the economic advantages of human trafficking by attempting to be proactive in advancing a larger agenda to overcome this serious and debilitating human rights issue (Wheaton et.al 118).

Conclusion

Human trafficking from an economic perspective must be stopped in its tracks through the efforts put forth by a variety of agencies and groups that must work collaboratively in order to eradicate this practice and to support a meaningful approach to trafficking that will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of its victims. This process requires an understanding of the different aspects of this practice and why individuals and groups participate in these activities to begin with, particularly as they aim to understand how individuals respond to human trafficking and how it impacts the lives of many innocent people. In spite of the economic advantages of human trafficking for many of those who commit these crimes, these advantages do not outweigh the moral and ethical anguish that these acts cause for individuals and families. Therefore, human trafficking should not be considered for its economic advantages; rather, it should emphasize the importance of the morally and ethically deplorable acts that occur under this umbrella.

With this framework in mind, it is necessary to evaluate the conditions under which human trafficking might be reduced or minimized through the efforts made by honest and non-corrupt governments and law enforcement agencies. These factors play a significant role in determining how to best move forward to eradicate the economic advantages of human trafficking so that this option is no longer appealing to those who commit these heinous crimes. When the economic opportunities that are associated with human trafficking are taken away, then it is possible that this issue will be reduced in scope, even if it might remain prevalent in some circles. By minimizing the economics of human trafficking, it will no longer be appealing those who aim to continue these practices in areas throughout the world where they occur on a daily basis.

Works Cited

Wheaton, Elizabeth M., Schauer, Edward J., & Galli, Thomas V. “Economics of human trafficking.” International Migration, 48.4(2010): 114-141.