Title

Objectification of trafficked women and the general public: An ontological humanization?

School/Department

Rosemead School of Psychology

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

This paper focuses onhow objectification of women in prostitution in the context of the discussion of human trafficking with the general public can be counteracted by ontological humanization. Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is based on dehumanization that stems from objectification. A subtle form of dehumanization may occur during the process of representing a person in prostitution, not only by pimps and clients, but also by the general public. It constitutes a hot topic in the public sphere, as demonstrated by the recent screenings in Rome of “Nefarious: Merchant of Souls”, a full-length documentary that overcomes stereotypical dichotomist views on prostitution in the context of human trafficking. This paper features the possible transformation of social representations that might have taken place among the viewers as a result of watching and discussing the documentary. It proposes the construct of ontological humanization as a semantic-anthropological way to reduce dehumanization.

Keywords

Human trafficking; Human trafficking victims; Women--Crimes against

Publication Title

Papers on Social Representations, 26 (1), 8.1-8.26 (2017) [http://psr.iscte-iul.pt/index.php/PSR/index]8.2Papers on Social Representation

Volume

26

Issue

1

First Page

8.1

Last Page

8.26

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