The Praxis of Protection: Working with – And Against – Human Trafficking Discourse

This chapter approaches trafficking discourse as a form of symbolic power being imposed on social phenomena, vulnerable groups, and the praxis of protection. It is argued that trafficking discourse, as founded in international criminal law, is being combatively deployed by competing movements, organizations, governments, and social fields. Consequently, those who have the power to construct social phenomena as human trafficking tend to do so in accordance with the prevailing aims and understandings within their groups and social fields. Such privileged perspectives are difficult to reconcile, however, with the alternative aims, understandings, and priorities of those who are closest to the social action, and particularly those who are less powerful. It is argued, therefore, that the imposition of trafficking discourse, and even the rights ideals associated with victim protection, risks imposing significant social harms. Such risks demonstrate the importance of seeking to understand social problems in the light of local perspectives, social arrangements and cultural norms, and the reflexive challenge of working with – and against – human trafficking discourse.