Skip to main content
University of California Press

About the Book

Criminology Explains Human Trafficking provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of criminological theory as it applies to the topic of human trafficking. Sarah Hupp Williamson uses real-life applications and case studies to highlight the connections between theory, research, and policy. She applies a diverse range of criminological theory to cover different forms of trafficking, victims versus offenders, the role of migration and globalization, domestic and international law, anti-trafficking efforts, and more. Through the use of discussion questions, activities, and policy boxes, students come away with a deeper understanding of theory as it applies to the field of human trafficking, including how various levels of analysis from the local to the global are often linked.

About the Author

Sarah Hupp Williamson is Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of West Georgia. She is the author of Human Trafficking in the Era of Global Migration: Unraveling the Impact of Neoliberal Economic Policy.

From Our Blog

We already have the tools to better address human trafficking

July 30th is the UN-recognized World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, while January 11th is the US-recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 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.
Read More

Table of Contents

Contents

List of Figures 

Introduction 

1 • Defining, Researching, and Responding to Human Trafficking 
2 • Deterrence and Victimization Theories 
3 • Psychological Theories 
4 • Social Structure Theories 
5 • Social Process Theories 
6 • Critical Perspectives 
7 • Integrationist Perspectives 

Bibliography 
Index 

Reviews

“An extremely important contribution to the literature. Sarah Hupp Williamson clearly explains classical and modern theoretical approaches, outlining both the significance of each and their application to the study of human trafficking. An invaluable text for students and general readers alike who wish to better understand this complex phenomenon.”—Erin C. Heil, coauthor of Human Trafficking in the Midwest: A Case Study of St. Louis and the Bi-State Area
 
"Highlighting the intersection of human trafficking and criminological theory, Hupp Williamson offers an innovative way to teach criminological theory with an applied topic-based approach. Fluidly explaining complex topics in approachable and jargon-free language, this is a unique and essential contribution to the field. There is no other book like this.”—Andrea Nichols, author of Sex Trafficking in the United States: Theory, Research, Policy, and Practice