A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Perceptions Regarding Human Trafficking

  • Adam Tanielian King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
  • Sangthong Tanielian Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand
DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/jseahr.v3i1.9544

Abstract

This study surveyed 135 individuals, of which 68 were native speakers of English and 67 were native speakers of Thai. Respondents answered questions on issues related to human trafficking, its causes, and potential solutions. Statistical tests showed significant variance in opinions between language and other groups regarding factors associated with trafficking, and regarding the potential impacts of legalization of prostitution. Thai responses reflected collectivist cultural perceptions while English responses reflected more individualistic views. Males and English speakers were most likely to think legalized prostitution would lead to a reduction in human trafficking while females and Thais were most likely to believe legalized prostitution would increase trafficking. Responses to an open-ended question showed participants felt similarly about potential remedies for human trafficking, including information and awareness campaigns, interaction between civilians and police, increased penalties for offenders, and reduction in macro-environmental variables such as poverty.   

Author Biographies

Adam Tanielian, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Adam Tanielian is an English instructor at Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal University and researcher at Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration. He holds B.S. degrees in business and math from Michigan Technological University and Mayville State University, respectively. Adam attended Thailand’s Ramkhamhaeng University Institute of International Studies for his master’s work in business and doctoral work in international law.

Sangthong Tanielian, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand

Sangthong Tanielian is a graduate of the business college at Thailand’s Rajabhat University in Chiang Mai. She provided considerable assistance with translation of the Thai language survey and responses.

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Published
2019-06-30
How to Cite
TANIELIAN, Adam; TANIELIAN, Sangthong. A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Perceptions Regarding Human Trafficking. Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights, [S.l.], v. 3, n. 1, p. 155-184, june 2019. ISSN 2599-2147. Available at: <https://jurnal.unej.ac.id/index.php/JSEAHR/article/view/9544>. Date accessed: 25 apr. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.19184/jseahr.v3i1.9544.
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Vol 3 No 1 (2019): June 2019
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