Cross-sectoral collaboration in the pursuit of social change: Addressing sex trafficking in West Bengal. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lux, Kimberly; Mosley, Jennifer E
• Other Names: Roby Jini guest-editor.; Bergquist Kathleen guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 57:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Cross-sectoral collaboration -- hybrid organizations -- India -- insider tactics -- sex trafficking -- social change; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/0020872813505628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

This field note explores how a hybrid social change organization based in India engaged in cross-sectoral collaboration with police and community-based sectors to address sex trafficking and advance both social change and service provision goals. Staff members successfully mobilized and engaged partners via insider tactics, ultimately improving the response of mainstream institutions to sex trafficking, while also strengthening individual services and community prevention efforts. An analysis of these partnerships offers transferable lessons on effective collaboration and the promise of an insider approach when mobilizing multiple sectors. Cross-sectoral collaboration may hold special promise for addressing complex social problems, like sex trafficking.