Becoming An Expert in Your Topic Area - Article Example

? Human Trafficking Part I. Establishing the basis behind a claim by any quarter of a given discipline is a process that endeavorsto ascertain the facts or premises behind the given claim or postulate. There have been various interventions and techniques that have been issued over time to combat sex trafficking in many nations all over the world. Development of these interventions and techniques is based on research and systematic studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of some of these initiatives. In order to come up with a conclusive or concrete decision pertaining to the best version of remedy, evaluation must be conducted with regard to the proposed solutions and interventions. Research studies and assessments must be focused on establishing or disputing a commonly believed fact or notion about a pre-existing phenomenon. Executors of such endeavors should bear in mind that there are various entities and factors that influence the outcome of their research study. Established research analysts concur on the importance of ascertaining the validity and authenticity of a research. This paper is aims to provide a research dissertation on efforts being made by domestic state and local governments to end the demand of this multi-billion dollar human enterprise. When conducting a research study or assessment, executors of this endeavor should bear in mind the detractors of validity in an experimental study or assessment. Confounding variables are the commonest detractors of validity in any given study. For the purposes of this paper, detractors to validity, both external and internal are going to be analyzed in the context of two research articles that pertain to the subject of the topic being discussed. Heiges study into the required reform of both local and state prostitution enforcement strategies to effectively combat sex trafficking in the United States (US) and abroad leave room for some queries on validity. The study was also able to establish that there is a significant commitment by US authorities to combat sex trafficking. The study does not however establish whether there are other underlying forces to account for the observed ineffectiveness of strategies being employed by federal agencies to counter human trafficking. There are various confounding variables in this study that can undermine authenticity of the results garnered from this assessment. The role of socioeconomic variables should be addressed and considered when drawing a conclusion to this study. This is because according to Meltzoff (2007), systemic approaches should first be developed to ensure that the focus of a study delves into the impact of various variables on the outcome of the study. Trochim and Donnely (2008) further emphasize the importance of factoring in the impact of confounds by arguing that failure to do so diminishes both the internal and external validity of the assessment. In the case of the proposed paradigm shift being recommended for combating sex trafficking, threats to the study’s external validity of the assessment should be carefully considered. This is because the study’s external validity is of prime importance to the future of the study’s proposed strategies. Shively and Jalbert’s assessment of demand reduction of sex trafficking services in the US establish that the strategies are working, but at insignificant levels. The study failed to establish the reasons behind this failure or ineffectiveness of the strategies being employed by federal agencies. It is important that future studies factor in the importance of variance brought about by elements like the involvement of men in society and the stereotypes that go along with the aspect of prostitution in the society. This brings to fore the aspect that could have immensely improved the validity of the study’s results. In other words, the failure to thoroughly establish the facts behind the failure of demand reduction strategies, illustrates the effects of confounds on an assessment of this kind. Demand reduction strategies appear to be promising; but many have not been rigorously assessed for effectiveness, thus a need for further research exists as well as an opportunity to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Part II. Human trafficking does not only occur at a local level, but it is also more common internationally because it more profitable when it occurs across borders. Human trafficking has been recognized by the United Nations (UN), which passed a protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons (Meltzoff & Melvin, 2007). This has been emphasized by focusing on trafficking of women and children because they are the most vulnerable and exploited group. Women and children are the most exploited groups because they represent the weakest portion of the population. These two groups of people are most exposed and vulnerable in third world and developing countries where poverty is entrenched. This makes them more susceptible to con games employed by traffickers to lure potential victims into the murky world of the human slave trade. The validation of these facts requires application of statistical principles in determining whether they have significance in the outlying outcomes of the research conducted (Trochim & Donnely, 2008). Developed countries pose as the largest market and source of revenue that is generated from human trafficking. This is because third world and developing countries do not have populations with substantial purchasing power to support such enterprises. Third world countries serve as transit points for human trafficking rings and sources of potential human trafficking victims. The United States (US) among other developed countries like the European Union (EU) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the commonest destination for human trafficking victims (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2003). According to prior research, a probable and effective method of rescinding and the vice is to eradicate or minimize the demand and market for services and products of human trafficking (Parrot, & Cummings, 2008). Prostitution has been identified as a significant instigator for human trafficking because it is the most poignant destination for human trafficking victims intended for sex slavery and exploitation. Eradication of prostitution has proven to be a difficult industry to eradicate or legislate against because it exists in many dynamic manifestations. Thus, the need to devise other ways of fighting human trafficking that is meant to increase sex trade both locally and internationally. Demand reduction primarily focuses on the buyers of sex, rather than the sellers, which are typically referred to as “johns”. Measures used to reduce the demand for sex trafficking and prostitution include: web-based reverse stings, where johns are arrested after making contact with a decoy "prostitute" who is actually a police officer” brothel-based reverse stings, where police close a brothel, make it look like it is still open, and then arrest johns who arrive; seizing automobiles of those who solicit prostitutes; suspending driver's licenses of those who solicit prostitutes, using surveillance cameras in anti-prostitution efforts; mandating convicted “johns” to attend "John school" education or treatment programs; and requiring “johns” who purchase sex from underage minors to register as a sexual offender (Chuang, 2006). The implementation of this deterrence raises the question of how demand reduction can be feasibly executed to significantly reduce human trafficking that is directed towards prostitution and child sexual abuse. Measures that are taken by human rights activists against human trafficking for sex come into sharp focus with regard to what can be done to improve their advocacy against human trafficking. According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), strategies that focus on demand reduction are characterized by actions that are designed to reduce sex buying. Demand reduction strategies give local and state authorities the opportunity to devise ways to reduce prostitution and sex trafficking which fuels human trafficking. Authorities in the US have through criminal justice systems, come up with interventions and collaborative programs that focus on reducing demand for commercial sex (Liu, 2013). One strategy that has been embarked on is the rehabilitation of sex offenders especially who those who have been arrested soliciting for sex in sting or clandestine operations. State and local law enforcement officials mount these operations by masquerading as prostitutes who then go ahead to arrest those who approach them to buy sexual services from them. The arrested culprits are prosecuted and face various charges according to the laws governing the jurisdictions they are arrested committing the crime. Prosecution and punishment of sex solicitors has proven be ineffective in reducing the demand for commercial sex. Even though the process of forcing, coercing and blackmailing victims into prostitution is criminal, soliciting for sex should not be approached as a criminal act or behavior. Demand for commercial sex should be taken as a social problem rather than behavior predisposing someone to criminal intent. This is because it has been established that individuals who solicit for sex do it out of habit or preference (Heiges, 2009). Rehabilitation of sex offenders has been deemed as an effective strategy to combat and reduce demand for commercial sex. Education and awareness campaigns are aimed at raising awareness among potential buyers and buyers of services delivered by human trafficking victims in the sex industry (Gallagher, 2010). These campaigns are conducted based and informed by research on men’s attitudes on paying for sex. Information gathered from women and girls who have been victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation should be used in activities meant to raise awareness regarding sexual exploitation of trafficked women and girls (US, GOA, 2006). For effective propagation of these awareness campaigns , activists and state agencies tasked with implementing these strategies are increasingly targeting trade unions, public and private employers (Kyle, & Koslowski, 2011). The inclusion of these entities in the development and implementation of these strategies ensures authenticity, credibility and engagement of the civil society and the public at large. This is because institutions have a far-reaching and significant influence and impact on the people they employ. The involvement of these institutions and entities in advocating for a reduction in the demand for commercial sex increases the effectiveness of these strategies. This because they have a more meaningful and trustworthy relationship with a major portion of the public that pose as buyers and potential buyers of commercial sex. Strengthening the ability and capacity of civil society organizations and citizens to challenge the demand for victims of trafficking significantly influences the reduction of demand for commercial sex (Shively, & Jalbert, 2013). This enhances the capability of mechanisms that have been put in place for buyers and ex-buyers to report human trafficking. It also offers a firm foundation and support structures for victims by involving the public more, intimately which facilitates for better victim recovery and rehabilitation. Involvement of civil societies and the citizenry is paramount to the success of strategies aimed at approaching the human trafficking issues on a socio-economic angle or perspective. This is because research has established that legislation and programs meant to curb and eradicate sex trafficking do not perceive demand for commercial sex as a significant enhancer of sex trafficking (Soderlund, 2005). Demand for commercial sex is 90% fueled by male buyers and potential male buyers (Raymond, 2004). Failure to factor in this aspect when formulating strategies for reducing demand for commercial sex contributes to the growing menace of this element. The need to recognize the role played by men in increasing demand for commercial sex is key to the success of strategies meant to reduce sex trafficking. Men in society should be researched on, and reasons behind their quest for commercial sex revealed so that these issues can be resolved through social interventions. Criminalizing the act of soliciting for sex does not help solve the problem why people or what drives people to solicit for and pay for sex. Addressing the socioeconomic factors that predispose people to falling victim to human traffickers is an issue that is inadequately considered, yet it could be a source of the solution against human trafficking. Nations that excel in improving the wellbeing of their citizenry have reduced or non-existent human trafficking cases. This is because the needs of their people are well catered for, thus giving no reason for an individual to be lured into the trafficking world by promises of a better life because it is the most common motivator for victims to trust these traffickers. This is evidenced by incidences of human trafficking being high in poverty-stricken nations and states. The socioeconomic aspect of instigators for human trafficking should be the focus of strategy formulation to combat the human trafficking industry. This is because social and economic problems are behind the propagation of human trafficking. Ignoring the significance of the male gender in perpetuating sex trafficking is a mistake that undermines efforts made to create awareness and combat sex trafficking. This is because men are at the center of encouraging prostitution, which benefits largely from sex trafficking. A change in attitude and behavior in men towards buying sex services would significantly contribute to reducing demand for commercial sex. The future of combating sex trafficking lies in the need for a paradigm shift in the focus of strategies aimed at eradicating human trafficking. This is because existing efforts are addressing the wrong issues and ignoring the real causes behind the propagation of sex trafficking and demand for commercial sex. The characteristic threats to validity that the two research studies failed to address or failed to address conclusively was the role of men in driving up the demand for commercial sex. Failing to formulate an experimental design that caters for the role played by men, who pose as confounds to the experimental data garnered from the study. References Chuang, J. (2006). Beyond a snapshot: Preventing human trafficking in the global economy. Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies, 13(1), 137-163. Commonwealth Secretariat. (2003). Report of the Expert Group on Strategies for Combating Trafficking of Women and Children: Best Practice. Illustrated Edition. London: Commonwealth Secretariat. Gallagher, A. T. (2010). The International Law of Human Trafficking. Illustrated Edition. London: Cambridge University Press. Heiges, M. (2009). From the Inside Out: Reforming State and Local Prostitution Enforcement to Combat Sex Trafficking in the United States and Abroad. Minn. L. Rev. Kyle, D. & Koslowski, R. (2011). Global human smuggling: Comparative perspectives. JHU Press. Meltzoff, J. Melvin, K. (2007). Research in Psychotherapy. Reprint Edition. New York: Transaction Publishers. Parrot, A. & Cummings, N. (2008). Sexual Enslavement of Girls and Women Worldwide. Illustrated Edition. London: Greenwood Publishing Group. Raymond, J. G. (2004). Prostitution on Demand Legalizing the Buyers as Sexual Consumers. Violence Against Women. Shively, M. and Jalbert, S. K. (2013). Assessing Sex Trafficking Demand-Reduction Strategies in the United States. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the ASC Annual Meeting, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL . 2013-08- 11 fromhttp://citation.allacademic.com/meta/p576445_index.html Soderlund, G. (2005). Running from the rescuers: New US crusades against sex trafficking and the rhetoric of abolition. nwsa Journal. Trochim, W. M. K. & Donnely, J. P. (2008). Research Methods Knowledge Base. 3rd Edition. London: Atomic Dog/Cengage Learning. United States, Government Accountability Office. (2006). Human Trafficking: Better Data, Strategy, & Reporting Needed to Enhance U.S. Anti-trafficking Efforts Abroad. Washington: DIANE Publishing. Read More