Introduction

Abstract

Children are arguably the world’s most vulnerable population. Cognitive immaturity, physiological weakness, and social naiveté leave children ill-equipped to survive in a world of corruption, coercion, and violence. Consequently, when children become the victims of exploitation, the social, economic, and personal consequences can be detrimental. One of the most poignant illustrations of this can be found in cases of trafficked and sexually exploited children. Researchers site the globalization of transport and labor markets as prime factors for the exploitation of marginalized people. In terms of child exploitation, this globalization, combined with high rates of poverty and the disenfranchisement of both American and foreign children, makes the commercial exploitation of youth nearly effortless.