Trafficking and Prostitution Reconsidered: New Perspectives on Migration, Sex Work, and Human Rights

by Kamala Kempadoo

Trafficking and prostitution are widely believed to be synonymous, and to be leading international crimes. This collection argues against such sensationalism and advances carefully considered and grounded alternatives for understanding transnational migrations, forced labor, sex work, and livelihood strategies under new forms of globalization. From their long-term engagements as anti-trafficking advocates, the authors unpack the contemporary international debate on trafficking. They maintain that rather than a new 'white slave trade,' we are witnessing today, more broadly, an increase in the violation of the rights of freedom of movement, decent employment, and social and economic security. Critical examinations of state anti-trafficking interventions, including the U.S.- led War on Trafficking, also reveal links to a broader attack on undocumented migrants; tribal and aboriginal peoples; poor women, men, and children; and sex workers. The book sheds new light on everyday circumstances, popular discourses, and strategies for survival under twenty-first century economic and political conditions, with a focus on Asia, but with lessons globally. Natasha Ahmad, Vachararutai Boontinand, Lin Chew, Melissa Ditmore, John Frederick, Matthew S. Friedman, Josephine Ho, Jagori, Ratna Kapur, Phil Marshall, Jyoti Sanghera, Susu Thatun.

Genres: Sex Work, Nonfiction, Feminism, Politics, Gender Studies, History

282 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2005

Reviews

[Lauren Levitt]

This is a solid collection. Two standout essays were “Cross-border Movements and the Law: Renegotiating the Boundaries of Difference” by Ratna Kapur and “From Anti-Trafficking to Social Discipline; Or, the Changing Role of ‘Women’s’ NGOs in Taiwan” by Josephine Ho.

[Amy]

Got because I thought I'd need for a paper but didn't end up using it at all. I think I read the intro. May not ever read it, but someone in a class told me she was the best ethnographer writing about trafficking and prostitution, so it may one day come in handy for some reason. I skimmed it and feel like I have enough of a feel for it to add it to me "read' shelf.

[Letitia]

Each essay is distinct in quality and topic, but together they create a necessary read for anyone interested in the topic of trafficking. Collectively, this definitely makes the case for decriminalizing prostitution with effective research and arguments. If you are on the fence about the topic, I recommend giving this a read.

[Katherine]

Good information but very repetitive -- more or less a collection of different people making the same or similar points over and over again.

[Morgan]

Finally a book for my trafficking class that I enjoyed!

[Jonas Stephan Johnson]

God so good Corking

[Jonas Stephan Johnson]

God so good Corking