Tackling the Pernicious Issue of Human Trafficking through a Systems Theory Approach

Abstract

Human trafficking is a pernicious issue that requires a holistic systems approach to eradicate it. Human trafficking operates in an incredibly complex system incorporating various systems of agents including economic, cultural, systemic, and institutional factors that contribute to the cycle of violence. To understand this social policy issue, a systems theory approach was used to navigate this complex issue, integrating elements, interactions, functions, and leverage opportunities.  The EMC Change Systems Theory functioned as a framework to articulate the issue, map the system, identify leverage points and plan/implement change. After the discovery phase, a four stage change process was proposed based on this theory. This call for a holistic systemic examination of human trafficking is an important foundational step. It is vital to understand the interconnected set of elements, the feedback loops and leverage points to be able to decipher between the symptom vs root cause of human trafficking. 

This detailed intervention plan in addressing human trafficking is based on systems thinking. The comprehensive analysis included an examination of the complex issue of human trafficking, a mapping of the whole system based on the deconstruction of the Integrated Political Bioecological model, the identification of leverage points via an iceberg model and analysis and proposal for the implementation of the intervention. The planning and implementation change proposal was systematically laid out via the Four-Stage Change Process. The proposed name of this social policy intervention program is the Four Stage Change Process to Eradicate Human Trafficking through the Leverage Point of Awareness. Although this issue is extremely complex, there is the need for change and the group can make a significant difference. The power lies in the collaborative work based on this systems approach.