UC Press Blog

By Sarah Hupp Williamson, author of Criminology Explains Human Trafficking

July 30^th is the UN-recognized World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, while January 11^th is the US-recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Both days center on bringing attention and education to the public about the issue of human trafficking. While these days are crucial for shining a spotlight on the problem, the conversation often stops short of deeper insights and solutions. Criminological theories can offer us the foundation and tools to do just that.

As a criminology professor, I have been researching human trafficking for over a decade, and teaching on the subject for almost as long. Most of my research uses criminological theory to understand human trafficking—why does it happen, what influences policies, and how to best prevent it. Despite theory’s importance, theoretically-grounded research in the field of human trafficking is still somewhat limited. This gap is notable because human trafficking is a multifaceted issue influenced by a range of factors from migration patterns to globalization, making it ripe for theoretical exploration. Many existing studies focus on case-specific data or anecdotal evidence, which, while useful, can lack the broader perspective provided by theoretical frameworks.

Theoretical frameworks might seem abstract, but they are crucial for developing strategies that can make a real difference in combating trafficking and supporting survivors.

When teaching, one of the biggest challenges I encounter is convincing students of the relevance of abstract theories to their future careers. For many, theory seems distant from the practicalities of working in fields like law enforcement, social work, or victim advocacy. It can feel like a lot of old, complex ideas that just don’t connect to the real world. But theory isn’t just about dusty, old books and complicated jargon. It’s about understanding the underlying principles that can shape effective policies, programs, and laws.

In both my research and my classes, I make it a point to bridge the gap between theory and practice. I use real-life case studies and current events to illustrate how criminological theories apply to topics like human trafficking. By examining how different theories—such as strain theory, moral panic theory, or queer theory—can explain the dynamics of trafficking, students start to see how these ideas aren’t just academic exercises, but tools that can be used to create change.

This is precisely the goal of my new book, Criminology Explains Human Trafficking. In this book, I provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of various criminological theories, using the topic of human trafficking to highlight the connections between theory, research, and policy. For example, strain theory, which examines how societal pressures and the disparity between goals and means can lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior, can shed light on why certain populations are at higher risk for trafficking. It suggests that individuals who face significant economic hardship or social marginalization might resort to illegal activities as a means of coping with their situation, including accepting unsafe migration offers that place them at risk of victimization. In contrast, social learning theory, which posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others, can help us understand how individuals might be recruited into trafficking networks or learn to engage in trafficking activities by being exposed to certain environments or peer groups.

The book also explores how these theories can inform policy and program development. Strain theory highlights the need for economic support and social services to alleviate pressures that might push individuals toward trafficking, while social learning theory suggests that efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and provide positive role models or support systems should be developed. By applying these theories, we can better identify the root causes of trafficking and implement targeted interventions that address both prevention and intervention strategies.

Each chapter of my book covers a different set of theories, from all the traditional social structural and social process theories, to various critical theories such as queer and critical race theory. By using the same topic of human trafficking, students can see how different criminological theory can give us a different perspective on the same topic, and can lead to a wide variety of policy solutions. 

Additionally, I also incorporated practical activities, discussion questions, and policy-focused exercises into each chapter that are great for in-class or online coursework. By connecting theoretical insights with practical applications, students begin to see that theory is not just about understanding what happens, but about shaping what happens next. It’s about building a foundation that helps in crafting informed, effective responses to human trafficking and other complex social issues.

So, when the next human trafficking awareness day approaches, remember that the fight against human trafficking isn’t just about shining a light on the problem—it’s about understanding it deeply. Theoretical frameworks might seem abstract, but they are crucial for developing strategies that can make a real difference in combating trafficking and supporting survivors.