Brokered Subjects: Sex, Trafficking, and the Politics of Freedom

The shared concern for the victims of sex trafficking is a rare spot of common ground in contemporary political discourse. Brokered Subjects reveals the troubling assumptions which have shaped both right and left-wing agendas around sexual violence, arguing that what lies behind our current vision of trafficking victims is a transnational mix of putatively humanitarian militaristic interventions, feel-good capitalism, and carceral feminism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Our deep-seated concern for the victims of sex trafficking stands as a remarkable point of convergence in contemporary political discourse. Fueled by heart-wrenching accounts of the kidnapping and forced exploitation of women and girls, diverse groups, including evangelical Christians, secular feminists, aid workers, and corporate leaders, have united their efforts behind anti-trafficking initiatives and legislation. However, the extent to which these broad concerns and legal endeavors align with the lived realities of the sex trade and the origins of the modern conception of sex trafficking demand scrutiny.

In her groundbreaking book, Brokered Subjects, Elizabeth Bernstein delves into the prevailing narratives surrounding sex trafficking to expose the troubling assumptions that have influenced both right-wing and left-wing agendas on sexual violence. Through years of extensive fieldwork, Bernstein sheds light not only on trafficking but also on the broader structures that intertwine the ostensible pursuit of liberation with contemporary techniques of power. Instead of genuine commitment to the safety of sex workers, Bernstein argues, what underpins our current vision of trafficking victims is a transnational amalgamation of purportedly humanitarian military interventions, feel-good capitalism, and what she terms carceral feminism—a feminism that aligns with police batons.

This book challenges us to examine the underlying motivations behind our efforts to combat sex trafficking. It prompts us to question whether our focus on rescuing victims is truly driven by a desire to protect and empower or if it is inadvertently perpetuating the very systems of power and control that exploit and harm them. Bernstein's analysis exposes the complex web of interests and ideologies that shape our response to sex trafficking, highlighting the ways in which humanitarianism, capitalism, and carceral feminism intersect to reinforce existing inequalities and perpetuate sexual violence.

Through her compelling storytelling and rigorous research, Bernstein offers a critical perspective on the global fight against sex trafficking. She challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions and policies and to work towards a more holistic and intersectional approach that addresses the root causes of trafficking, including poverty, inequality, and political instability. Brokered Subjects is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of sex trafficking and the urgent need for transformative change.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226573779