Sociological Perspective Underlying Causes

In this chapter, we use theory and research from sociology to better understand the complex ways that political, economic, and other sociocultural factors interact within and across country borders to cause human trafficking. First, we discuss how sociologists approach the study of social problems and phenomenon using a sociological imagination, including macrosociological and microsociological perspectives. We then illustrate how using one’s sociological imagination, and the macro- and micro-sociological perspectives, can inform our understanding of human trafficking. Using these analytical approaches, we present key sociological terms and apply these terms to the phenomenon of trafficking. Finally, we illustrate how applying sociological knowledge to trafficking can inform policies and practices established to eradicate this horrible crime.