Slavery seems like a long gone practice from the past, but even in our times, people suffer from being bought and sold to strange people. Nowadays, as it is mostly described as a form of human trafficking,an unbelievable amount of 12 to 20 million people are believed to be traded as modern day slaves. This paper investigates how globalization has impacted the trade of modern day slaves and will look at how this problem is tackled by our current policies.
Table of Contents
1. Human trafficking – slavery in a globalized world
2. Modern-day Slavery
3. Globalization and its implications
4. The Combat against Modern-day Slavery
5. Conclusion
Objectives & Research Focus
This paper examines the persistence of slavery in the 21st century and analyzes how the forces of globalization have facilitated the growth of modern-day slave markets and forced labor systems. It explores the connection between global economic interconnectivity and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
- Analysis of the definition and current prevalence of modern slavery.
- Examination of the structural link between globalization and forced labor.
- Case studies on the impact of global supply chains and economic exploitation.
- Evaluation of international and non-governmental efforts to combat human trafficking.
Excerpt from the Book
Modern-day Slavery
Bales points out that in the past, being a slave meant that one person legally owned another person, which was documented by ownership certificate (Bales, 2004). The cost of a slave back then was an investment for the owner (around $ 40.000), ensuring that he would do anything in his power to keep this slave alive and at his workplace (ibid.). Modern slavery takes a very different approach, since slavery has been declared illegal all over the world (except for China) and the United Nations' Universal Declaration on Human Rights states in Art.4 that “[n]o one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.“ (UN, 1948). However, this has come to mean that slave-traders “don't ask for a receipt or ownership papers, but they do gain control - and they use violence to maintain this control” (Bales, 2004, p.5).
To understand, how modern slavery works and what its connection to globalization is, it is firstly important to get a more detailed understanding of the definition of slavery in the 21st century. It might be tempting to think of a slave as an African worker on a plantation, but nowadays, slavery can come in all kinds of colors. Yet, the various types of forced labor all have two features in common: “the exercise of coercion and the denial of freedom” (ILO, 2001). Thus, the ILO (1930) has defined forced labor, a term which will be interchangeably used with slavery in this paper, as “[...] all work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily” (Art. 2.1).
Summary of Chapters
Human trafficking – slavery in a globalized world: This chapter introduces the topic by highlighting that slavery persists as a "booming international trade" despite its formal abolition, noting that global connections have made the market for human beings harder to detect.
Modern-day Slavery: This section defines contemporary slavery, distinguishing it from historical forms by its illegality and reliance on violence rather than legal ownership, and outlines forms like chattel slavery, contract slavery, and debt bondage.
Globalization and its implications: This chapter analyzes how globalization has led to economic interdependence and the relocation of production, which often exploits poverty and undermines local labor protections to maximize profits.
The Combat against Modern-day Slavery: This chapter reviews current initiatives by governments and NGOs to fight human trafficking, while discussing the dilemmas surrounding consumer boycotts and the role of corporate responsibility.
Conclusion: This final section synthesizes the findings, reiterating that slavery remains a critical global issue that requires increased public awareness and more stringent international policies to protect vulnerable individuals.
Keywords
Modern slavery, Human trafficking, Globalization, Forced labor, Debt bondage, Chattel slavery, Human rights, Underground economy, Exploitation, Consumer responsibility, Migration, Global supply chain, Economic inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the continued existence of slavery in the modern era, characterizing it as a hidden but booming global trade that persists despite international prohibitions.
What are the primary thematic pillars of the work?
The core themes include the definition and evolution of slavery, the impact of globalization on labor exploitation, and the analysis of strategies used by international organizations and NGOs to combat these crimes.
What is the fundamental research objective?
The objective is to analyze the connection between globalization and the rise of modern-day slavery, exploring how increased economic connectivity has inadvertently facilitated the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Which scientific approaches are utilized in this paper?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing literature from experts like Kevin Bales and reports from organizations like the ILO and UN to define the scope and mechanisms of modern forced labor.
What core topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptual definitions of slavery, the role of global markets in fostering cheap labor, case-specific examples of exploitation, and an evaluation of existing anti-trafficking programs.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
The study is best characterized by terms such as modern slavery, human trafficking, globalization, debt bondage, forced labor, and global supply chains.
How does the author explain the difference between historical and modern slavery?
The author notes that while historical slavery was characterized by legal ownership and high acquisition costs, modern slavery is illegal and relies on brute force and control, making slaves "disposable" tools for profit.
What role does debt bondage play in modern slavery?
Debt bondage is identified as the most common form of modern slavery, where individuals and their families are trapped in servitude due to financial debts that are manipulated by slaveholders.
Why does the author argue that globalization has contributed to the problem?
The author argues that globalization has enabled companies to seek cheaper labor markets, often shifting production to less regulated countries, which increases the pressure on suppliers to cut costs, frequently resulting in the use of forced labor.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2011, Modern Slavery - A Human Tragedy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/193428
