Diversity and Inclusion: A Social Justice Approach to the Cultural Antecedents of Human Trafficking
Willie McKether & Jennifer Pizio | September 21 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Room Ingman
The problem of human trafficking does not exist in a vacuum, but rather is situated in the cultural values and norms of the societies in which it persists. When societies, such as that of the United States, are stratified by power, “isms” such as racism, sexism, and classism are prevalent. This prevalence and the resulting social capital differential between groups leads to a devaluing of subordinate groups of people, making human trafficking possible. Utilizing a social justice framework to promote diversity and inclusion work could lead to an understanding and reduction in human trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Understand the cultural and social antecedents of human trafficking
· Relate macro level “isms” (racism, sexism, classism) to the micro level problem of human trafficking
· Articulate how diversity and inclusion work, as a social justice perspective, relates to social problems like human trafficking