Mentor
Dr. William Kinnally
Abstract
The global rise in human trafficking is not receiving adequate media attention. While newspaper coverage of the topic has increased, current research argues that the issue is framed with a lack of diversity, limiting audience understanding of its complexity. Some researchers also note that coverage disproportionately focuses on sex trafficking, with minimal attention directed to other forms of trafficking such as the labor or organ trade. This paper conducts a narrative literature analysis of media research on human trafficking, drawing on framing theory to identify dominant frames in media messaging and synthesize cross-cultural factors that impact how the issue is addressed. The findings note that sex trafficking coverage is often framed through isolated incidents, stereotypes, and crime-focused lenses, restricting audience understanding of human trafficking. These shortcomings are then confronted by advocating for reframing remedies that provide nuance and increase awareness. Supplemental insights from personal communications with anti-trafficking organizations in Thailand further convey effective strategies for public communication on human trafficking issues. Findings from this analysis support the recommendation that media institutions must adopt more diverse framing approaches to enhance human trafficking visibility and address its systemic roots.
Recommended Citation
Henriques, Stefanie
(2024)
"Reframing Narratives: Remedies for Improved Human Trafficking Coverage,"
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 15:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol15/iss2/6
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