A Prototype Comparison of Human Trafficking Warning Signs: U.S. Midwest Frontline Workers' Perceptions. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwarz, Corinne; Xing, Chong; Britton, Hannah E.; Johnson, Paul E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human trafficking. Volume 8:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 440
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: Anti-trafficking identification -- warning signs -- service providers -- prototypes -- structural equation modeling; Human trafficking -- Periodicals; 364.1551
• DOI: 10.1080/23322705.2020.1834772
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2332-2705

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Guided by the cognitive prototype approach, this article examines the prototype structure of the frontline workers' perceptions concerning warning sign indicators in human trafficking. Online survey responses across a range of workplace sectors were analyzed using multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) for three groups. These groups were based on respondents' self-reported human trafficking experiences: no witness (no encounter of human trafficking), sex trafficking witness, and labor trafficking witness. The MG-CFA analysis revealed a three-factor structure – physical condition, reproductive health, and personal risk – representing the participants' perceptions of the warning signs. Further analysis showed group-level mean (latent intercept) and variance differences between the prototype structures of the three witness groups. The final structural model results indicate that these group-level prototype differences can be explained by two organizational resource variables: identification protocol and training. The results are discussed in light of the current empirical literature on human trafficking identification, stereotypical frames of victimhood, and policy practices.