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Understanding Human Trafficking Using Victim-Level Data

Author

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  • Björkman Nyqvist, Martina
  • Kuecken, Maria
  • La Ferrara, Eliana
  • Artadi, Elsa

Abstract

Quantitative research on human trafficking is scant due to lack of data. This study makes use of a unique survey we collected on former victims of trafficking and vulnerable women and girls in the Philippines. We start by exploring the correlates of trafficking and show that household composition (in particular the presence of older sisters) and plausibly exogenous measures of health and economic shocks predict the likelihood of being tracked. We then study the eff ects of trafficking on victims' intertemporal and risk preferences using entropy balancing. We fi nd that trafficking victims are not di fferentially patient, but they are more risk-loving. Our novel data and fi ndings are pertinent to the design of policies intending to prevent trafficking and reintegrate victims.

Suggested Citation

  • Björkman Nyqvist, Martina & Kuecken, Maria & La Ferrara, Eliana & Artadi, Elsa, 2018. "Understanding Human Trafficking Using Victim-Level Data," CEPR Discussion Papers 13279, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:13279
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human trafficking; Prostitution; Philippines; Child labor;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • J47 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Coercive Labor Markets

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