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Victims of trafficking and modern slavery or agents of change? Migrants, brokers, and the state in Ghana and Myanmar

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posted on 2023-06-09, 18:00 authored by Priya DeshingkarPriya Deshingkar, Mariama Awumbila, Joseph Kofi Teye
The authors provide critical insights into the creation of precarious and unfree labour in Ghana and Myanmar by examining the inner workings of the migration industry and the roles of brokers, the state and employers in positioning migrants in exploitative work in Libya, The Middle East, Singapore and Thailand. The evidence is based on in-depth interviews with returned and current migrant construction workers and domestic workers, formal and informal brokers, transport providers and other stakeholders. The research shows that brokerage is culturally embedded in local systems of reciprocity and closely depends on the collusion and cooptation of state actors. The research suggests that rather than viewing migrants and those who mediate migration in opposition and the state as a benevolent facilitator, they should be analysed as co-constituting systems of brokerage, irregular migration and exploitative work. The findings highlight the need for states to take greater responsibility in managing their own involvement in creating modern slavery. At the same time, the findings highlight the ways in which migrants use brokerage to exercise agency by taking advantage of irregular migration routes and informal employment.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Journal of The British Academy

ISSN

2052–7217

Publisher

The British Academy

Issue

S1

Volume

7

Page range

77-106

Department affiliated with

  • Geography Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex Centre for Migration Research Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-06-07

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-06-07

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-06-06

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