This intellectually thoughtful book embeds the juxtaposition of cultural sensitivity with human trafficking and its interrelation with law and policy in three distinct societies: the USA, India, and Costa Rica. It highlights how the cultural perpetuity of human commodification can be addressed beyond the criminal justice approach of human trafficking through a multilevel collective resolve.
Chapter 1, “Human Trafficking and Culture”, delimits the author's work through a policy-oriented jurisprudential lens while simultaneously transcending traditional desk research. It deliberates the prevalence of human trafficking in influential and representative cultures, the associated narratives of Jogini and Machismo, and the preferential treatment of boys. It also focuses on the status quo of law and policy and how globalization has elevated the market of sex and labour exploitation based on consumerism. Lastly, the chapter illustrates the cultural dimension of the law, which should not be based on indifferences but, instead, draw from cultural encounters which, if generally understood and correctly adopted, could aid in stopping the commodification of human beings.
Chapters 2 and 3 of the book deal with the viewpoints of the various claimants, such as governments, corporations, consumers of the trafficking, victims, etc., as well as how the international framework, regional protections, and domestic prescriptions have addressed cultural attitudes towards human trafficking and, also, how the conditioning factors have hampered the effectiveness of the trafficking legislations across the globe. The author not only focuses on past trends but also incorporates the modern Palermo approach, recent legislation in Congress, and the discussions revolving around content posted by third parties.
Chapter 4 is DeBellis's most vital contribution as it provides a robust analysis of the futuristic trends of conditioning and is aptly titled “Battle between Law and Culture”. In this chapter, through multiple case studies, the author reflects on the attitudes across various cultures that marginalize or discriminate and which ultimately result in trafficking. She further addresses these issues and notes that they can be improved with a new perspective, as the existence of legislation is not enough. A change in the tolerance of patriarchal men, equitable treatment towards lower castes and women, and recognition of the vulnerabilities of immigrant women, together with the effective use of technologies to promote values of freedom and human rights globally, would improve the situation, as illustrated by her extensive research and analysis.
In the concluding chapter, the author deliberates on the 12-step recovery programme to uphold dignity and human rights. She believes that culture beyond state practices can help with the curtailment of human trafficking but that it would require individuals, families, local community groups, and religion to become the cultural change agents, together with an increased role for government. The book is novel, eloquent, informative, and a persuasive presentation of the intersectionality of the law, policy, and culture.
Competing interests
The author declares none.
