Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress
The Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress (JUMP) is a refereed interdisciplinary publication (Print ISSN 2574-3465 & Online ISSN 2574-3481) dedicated to the educational, economic, and social progress of minority and underrepresented communities around the world. JUMP strives to provide space for a meaningful, intentional, and actionable scholarship that aims to advance social justice.
Human Trafficking in the Global South: An Academic Exploration
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress
Online Lures, Offline Nightmares: India’s Case Study on Social Media–Facilitated Human Trafficking
This research study explores how traffickers use social media to target and lure people—mainly from tribal communities in India—into human trafficking, often by pretending to offer marriage or jobs. The researcher, based on various newspaper reports and field-based case studies, has tried to identify high-risk regions to support targeted prevention measures such as awareness camps. Through a qualitative case study approach, analyses have been done to find the traffickers’ methods, focusing on how trust, anonymity, and digital platforms are exploited to deceive economically vulnerable populations. The study pays particular attention to fake marriages that result in forced prostitution and abuse. The victimization pattern and the role of social media in facilitating exploitation have been studied and discussed here. It also examines the social and legal consequences of these crimes, the challenges in detection and prosecution, and gaps in existing legal frameworks and concludes with recommendations.
Landlessness in Nepal: Issues and Challenges with special focus on Dalit
Land occupies a significant position in the Nepalese socio-economic context. It is not just a mere productive resource, rather it is associated with a source of livelihood, identity and socio-political power. Still the Dalits, who hold a significant portion (about 13.8%) of total population, are disproportionately landless and excluded from the agrarian resources due to the structural and historical constraints like caste-based discrimination, dispossession and oppression. The paper highlights landlessness as both driver and consequence of poverty in Dalit community, entrenching bonded labor, food security, social vulnerability, gendered violence and inter-generational exclusion. The study employs the theoretical debate on caste and class and class formation process in understanding exclusion of Dalits, focusing on access to land resource and establishes strong association of caste system with land access and class status. It should include the structural transformations of agrarian relations, social protection, equity-focused land reform and recognition of the heterogeneity among Dalits (various categories among them). Only then Nepal’s aspiration of inclusive prosperity and social justice would be achieved.
Landlessness, Equity, Inclusion, Dalit equity
Investing in Diversity: Enhancing Job Satisfaction among Faculty of Color through Work Environment
Using a quantitative research design, this study examined predictors of job satisfaction for faculty of color, and how these predictors may vary by racial/ethnic background within this population. Overall, this study provided support for previous research indicating lower levels of job satisfaction for faculty of color and highlighted the role of environmental factors associated with their job satisfaction. In particular, we found that institutional characteristics, teaching commitments, and research area of emphasis tended to significantly affect job satisfaction among faculty of color. In contrast to previous research, the results of this study demonstrated that service work was not significantly related to job satisfaction among this population. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings
Education Disruption among Rohingya Children in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar Refugee Camps (2017–2024): A Fragile‑State Perspective
Since 2017, Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district has hosted over one million Rohingya refugees, nearly half of whom are children. Living in highly congested camps and dependent on humanitarian aid, Rohingya children face severe disruptions in learning and long-term human development. This study applies Fragile State Theory as its core analytical lens and conducts a qualitative content analysis of UN reports, NGO assessments, and academic literature published between 2017 and 2024. Findings indicate that while humanitarian agencies have expanded informal learning opportunities, access remains unstable due to host-government restrictions on formal education, chronic funding shortages, and deteriorating security conditions. The analysis shows that state capacity constraints in both Myanmar and Bangladesh reinforce a cycle of educational exclusion, producing a high risk of a “lost generation.” The study concludes with policy recommendations for accreditation pathways, sustainable financing, and stronger refugee participation in education governance.
Assessing Vulnerability in Rohingya Relocation: A Comparative Study of Households in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, Bangladesh
This study assesses the multidimensional vulnerabilities of Rohingya refugees and compares livelihood conditions between settlements in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. A survey of 154 purposively selected respondents was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) was calculated to measure overall vulnerability, and Chi-square tests examined associations between vulnerability factors across the two locations. The findings show that households in Bhasan Char experience higher MVI due to intensified economic hardship, weaker healthcare services, and greater social isolation, although residents benefit from permanent housing and closer neighborly support. Conversely, households in Cox’s Bazar exhibit lower overall vulnerability because of better access to income opportunities and healthcare services. However, the Cox’s Bazar camps are more prone to environmental hazards, which elevates certain dimensions of risk. The study emphasizes the urgent need for the international community to facilitate the safe and immediate repatriation of Rohingya refugees to ensure long-term security and dignity.
Rohingya, Minority, Relocation, Cox’s Bazar, Bhasan Char, Exclusion
Food Insecurity and Academic Self-Efficacy: Military Students and Student Veterans
Food insecurity (FI) affects households worldwide and is also seen on college and university campuses with adverse effects on student success. We examine FI and academic self-efficacy levels of military students and student veterans enrolled in higher education in the United States which has not been extensively studied regarding FI. Military students and student veterans may have access to G.I. Bill funds and may not be perceived as requiring additional assistance. The results reveal that military students and student veterans have some level of FI. The qualitative analysis yielded five themes that center on FI, economic vulnerability, inequities in the veteran community, reintegration challenges, and support system gaps.
Human Trafficking as a Non-Traditional Security Threat in Afghanistan: Post 2021
Afghanistan, a South Asian country is known to be a hotspot for trafficking not only drugs but also persons. There exist numerous factors contributing to the human trafficking phenomenon, including weak political culture, ethnic cleavages, economic instability, lack of basic services and security, and decades of war and internal conflicts. The situation worsened in August 2021, when Taliban 2.0 took over political control resorting to amplified human trafficking practices in the name of protecting socio-religious practices and cultural norms, and to deal with an increased economic insecurity. Even boys are made the easy targets by the Taliban to be involved in “Bacha Bazi”. This paper will be qualitative in nature with an attempt to use Conflict Theory, Structural Functional Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory to understand an increasing menace of Human Trafficking of women and children in Afghanistan. It also aims to explain how it can be curbed
Special on Human Trafficking in Global South
Afghanistan, Human Trafficking, Women, Children, Non Traditional Security THreats
Human Trafficking in Indo-Nepal Terai Region: A Study of Stakeholders Perspective
The Indo-Nepal Terai region, stretching nearly 1,700 kilometres, serves as a critical geographic and socio-economic corridor between India and Nepal. Covering Nepal’s southern plains and bordering Indian states such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, the region plays a central role in cross-border mobility. According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, both India and Nepal function as source, transit, and destination countries for human trafficking. As the world’s second-largest criminal activity, human trafficking represents a grave violation of human rights, encompassing sexual exploitation, bonded labour, organ trafficking, and domestic servitude. This article examines the underlying causes of trafficking between the two countries and explores stakeholder perspectives on existing laws, legal frameworks, and law enforcement effectiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on primary data from in-depth interviews and secondary sources. The findings reveal persistent institutional and operational gaps, highlighting the urgent need for stronger strategies, resources, and cross-border collaboration to prevent trafficking and support survivors effectively.
Cross Border Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Indo-Nepal Terai Region, Stakeholder's perspective
Case Studies on Trafficking Hotspots in Asia, Africa and Latin America: Patterns, Challenges and Interventions
Human Trafficking involves about 50 million victims worldwide in sex trading, labour trafficking organ removal and forced marriage, making it a lucrative business, generating an estimated 150 billion USD each year. Major trafficking hotspots have emerged in the Global South – South East Asia, Africa and Latin America due to socio-economic inequality, migration, ineffective law enforcement and ancient cultural practices. This paper explores case studies from these critical regions to analyse patterns, underlying drivers and recommend effective strategic interventions to eliminate human trafficking. The study adopts a comparative research framework, integrating secondary qualitative and quantitative data from global government reports, NGO initiatives and narrative literature of survivors. The research evaluates existing interventions, including leveraging technology, community-based efforts, international collaborations and legal regulations, highlighting their application and gaps. This study contributes to the increasing discourse on global anti-trafficking strategies providing actionable insights for policymakers, NGOs and international agencies to combat this multifaceted crime effectively.
Militarization and Youth Exploitation: Forced Crime and Trafficking in Malik Sajad’s Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir
Grounded in Johan Galtung’s Theory of Structural Violence, this paper focuses on systemic oppression and militarized control in politically volatile regions, with particular emphasis on Kashmir. Through a close reading of Malik Sajad’s graphic novel Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir, it examines how societal-structures contribute to trafficking, especially exploitation of youth. The graphic novel, portraying the Kashmiri people as endangered hanguls, provides an intensely personal narrative that reflects the broader socio-political challenges faced by the region. By examining the recruitment of vulnerable young boys into insurgent groups and their coercion into criminal activities, this study highlights how conditions of poverty, lack of education, and constant surveillance create an environment that mirrors the exploitative dynamics of human trafficking. The research situates these experiences within the framework of structural violence, drawing attention to the manipulation and psychological toll inflicted on individuals forced into insurgent activities. It emphasizes the need for community-based interventions, including education and rehabilitation programs, as preventive measures against trafficking.
The Cost of Being Heard: Intersectionality and Trauma in The Girl with the Louding Voice
This paper examines human trafficking as a systemic violation of rights through Adunni, the protagonist. The research paper investigates how the vulnerabilities of women in postcolonial countries are aggravated by intersecting oppressions related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, applying the concept of Intersectionality and trauma theory. Dare’s novel presents an incisive analysis of how gender and socio-economic structures in the Global South perpetuate human trafficking, highlighting the contributions of local patriarchal structures to the persistence of exploitation. Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality elucidates how Adunni’s marginalised position as a destitute, rural girl intensifies her exploitation by rendering her susceptible to the overlapping systems of patriarchy and financial turmoil. Moreover, Trauma Theory has been used to analyse both the psychological and spiritual consequences of these lived experiences, highlighting the way systematic violence and exploitation engrave scars that can never be erased from Adunni’s identity.
Cinematic Framing of Child Trafficking:Victims and Perpetrators in Netflix’s Bhakshak and Sector 36
This study examines the media framing of victims and perpetrators in Indian films addressing child trafficking, sexual abuse, and organ trafficking, with particular focus on Netflix’s Bhakshak and Sector 36. These films engage with vulnerable social issues by depicting the experiences of trafficked children and societal responses to such crimes. The paper evaluates narrative choices and cinematic approaches that shape representations of victims and perpetrators, highlighting how framing moves beyond conventional narratives to function as persuasive social commentary. It critically examines ethical representation, the reinforcement or disruption of stereotypes, and the risk of sensationalizing trauma for entertainment. Drawing on framing theory, narratology, and feminist film theory, the study analyzes how narrative structures influence audience perception of child trafficking and sexual abuse. The methodology employs narrative analysis of plot, character construction, camera work, and dialogue to assess identity formation. Addressing a gap in media and literary studies, the paper foregrounds Indian cinematic contexts and their role in shaping public discourse on trafficking and abuse.
Trafficked Bodies, Stolen Lives: The Medico- Legal Politics of Organ Trade in Benyamin’s Body and Blood
The paper critically examines Benyamin’s medico-thriller novel, Body and Blood (2020) to expose the malpractice of organ trafficking in India. Initially published in Malayalam as Sareera Shastram (2017), and translated into English by Swarup B.R., the novel offers a realistic account of the illegal harvesting and trade of human organs under the camouflage of organ donation to the needy population. The story revolves around vulnerable youngsters and the polemics of their exposure to deliberately brandished accidents. These accidents subsequently follow a nebulous series of reiterative actions that comprise pharmaceutically injected coma in the injured youths, non-permissive extraction of healthy organs for unlicensed trade to accomplish megalomaniac aspirations of religious mafias, and eventually leading to inevitable deaths of innocent victims. Using interdisciplinary methodology, the article contributes to the eye-opening revelation about the new-age churches and their pretentious strategies to attract the young to operate the heinous medical crime of organ trafficking in the nation-state.
organ trafficking, religion, legal, medical,
Power, Privilege, and Abuse: A Marxist Examination of ‘Bacha Bazi’ in The Kite Runner
The term ‘Bacha Bazi’ is a commonplace term used in reference to the pervasive act of objectification and sexual abuse of preadolescent kids by predominant male patrons in the Afghanistan society, festering it rotten from inside. Existing in an unofficial, institutionalized setting, it often results in a culturally enforced and approved metamorphosis of young boys, affecting how they construct their social and sexual identity—which stays distinct and unaltered—as they are coerced into becoming dancing boys and male escorts for wealthy patrons compelling them to serve as both, a source of sexual pleasure and amusement. Bacha Bazi is a new social function that has been given cultural legitimacy by a society that is sharply split between the powerful and the powerless. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a sharp social commentary on the Marxist nature of this cultural malpractice from the points of view of Hassan and Sohrab. The current paper is qualitative research into the power play and politics of Bacha Bazi in the Afghanistan society from a Marxist perspective.
“Lost” at the Crossroads: An Exploration of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking impacts a growing population of people in today’s world. Due to mounting social, political, and economic problems and ongoing wars and conflicts, millions are now forced to leave their home countries and are trying to illegally immigrate to other countries in search of enhanced living conditions. That is why human trafficking urgently requires global attention. Various forms of human trafficking take place in the Global South. Türkiye, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and bordered by eight countries, plays a pivotal role in the recently escalating trafficking activities. As a well-established migration route and a strategic location, it is both a source and target country in human trafficking. This study aims at analyzing two award-winning Turkish movies, Seaburners and More, which depict vulnerability, exploitation, and struggle of the underrepresented minority, from the perspectives of children and women. The results, obtained through manifest and latent content analysis, will shed light upon this significant issue with the aim of contributing to the global fight against human trafficking. The study portrays vulnerabilities at the individual level and explores the potential social, political, and economic reasons and consequences of human trafficking through media works.
Global South, human trafficking, movie analysis.
Understanding Human Trafficking in the Eastern Himalaya: Case of India-Nepal and India-Myanmar Border
Human trafficking is a serious crime and is considered a violation of basic human rights. It is also one of the fastest-growing illegal trades, which has affected the developing countries of South Asia. This paper suggests two different borders in the eastern Himalayas that have addressed border activities differently. First, the India-Nepal border has been prone to Human Trafficking due to its porous border, where there is no formal agreement. Secondly, the India and Myanmar border has a specific agreement to prevent human trafficking and has recently ended the Free Movement Regime due to cross-border activities. This paper uses snowball methods to collect data with its narrative to provide a picture of the day-to-day activities. It studies the collaborative effort of state and non-state actors and their success and failure in those two different borders.
Factors Influencing Gender and Racial Disparities in Health Sciences Bachelor’s Program
Though there is an increase in females receiving bachelor’s degrees, the number in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics continues to lag behind males. The factors that drive such disparities are not understood. This study aimed to examine gender-based differences and factors that influence starting a program. Active students and alumni from the Bachelor’s in Health Sciences program at RUSH University were surveyed and participated in focus groups. Analysis indicated that males and females enrolled in bachelor’s programs for career change. Flexibility, support, and personalized approach influence female enrollment, whereas males are influenced by curriculum rigor and recognition. Finances were a significant factor, particularly for underrepresented females, in starting and choosing a baccalaureate program. Gender disparities are a substantial driving factor for females. This data provides insight into factors that impact the choice of program, allowing for changes to the environment, curriculum, and recruitment to ensure a diverse student population.
Turkish University Students` Attitudes, Contact Quantity, and Ethno-cultural Empathy toward Syrian Refugees: A Mediation Model
This study examined the mediating role of ethno-cultural empathy in the relationship between contact quantity and attitudes toward Syrian refugees in a sample of Turkish University students. Using a cross-sectional design in a sample of 275 university students (Mage = 22.46), an online measurement tool was applied that included demographic information, contact quantity, ethno-cultural empathy, and attitudes toward Syrian refugees. The results showed that ethno-cultural empathy was positively related to both contact quantity and attitude toward Syrian refugees. Moreover, ethno-cultural empathy was found to play an important mediating role in the relationship between frequency of contact and attitudes towards Syrians. This finding reveals that an increase in contact quantity is associated with an increase in ethno-cultural empathy and this relationship positively affects attitudes towards Syrians. In the attitude of the local people toward the Syrian refugees, socio-political strategies were discussed and suggestions for future work were made.
Institutional Culture, Departmental Expectations, Professors’ Dedication to Teaching, and Students’ Success: The Nexus
This paper interrogates the claim that universities coddle some students, affording student-clients with deep pockets preferential treatment. Autobiographic and auto-ethnographic methods are applied for student evaluations and statements, to examine the author’s experiences with privileged students and the benefits accruing from the student-professor relationship, particularly fostering their learning ability and intellectual development. The paper centres on student responses to critical pedagogy and the synergy that develops when such pedagogy coalesces with student activism in the classroom. Also discussed are the benefits to be derived from introducing humour into the classroom.
Parrhesia & Governmentality: A Foucauldian Study on Sex Workers in India
Sex trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes in the world. Generally, these acts are covert in nature. The main aim of this research is to study the life of the prostitutes using ethnographic research methodology. By employing Michel Foucault’s notions of Parrhesia & Governmentality, it is intended to be seen if the streetwalkers are willing to express the truth about themselves. It has been found out from the research that corruption and coercion are the two main contributors to trafficking and the eliciting of parrhesia from the victims and the police leads to positive transformation, thereby ushering in governmentality. Studying the lives of this underrepresented community following an interactionist approach motivates them to take better care of themselves.
Coercion, parrhesia, sex trade, vulnerability, women
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress
From Ignorance to Empowerment: Education’s Role in Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants
This research paper mainly focuses on Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants, which thoroughly explores the systematic oppression and tenacity prevalent in the Indian social structure, specifically focusing on the caste system. The comprehensive study analyses how personal decisions and environmental constraints determine identity in the context of extensive societal hierarchy. Gidla, from an academic perspective, explores the significant impact of education in promoting empowerment and upward social mobility among marginalised communities. Inspired by Indian scholars who take an interdisciplinary approach to Dalit feminism and by the lens through which Hooks interprets Black feminism. Using intersectionality, this study investigates how caste, gender, and socioeconomic issues affect Dalits in the caste system scenario to highlight their marginalization.
Keywords- Caste, Suppression, Equality, Dalit, Intersectionality, Minority.
Impact of Digitalization on Study Habits among Minority Students
This research report examines the impact of digitalization on minority pupils' study habits in government schools in the Punjabi regions of Ropar and Mohali. The study employs a survey method to gather data, allowing for a systematic analysis of the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of minority students in utilizing digital tools for academic purposes. In all, 625 students were administered, comprising 325 males and 300 females between the age group of 14 to 15 years in the ninth grade. It investigates whether digital tools contribute to enhanced learning outcomes, collaboration opportunities, and access to educational resources, or if they exacerbate existing disparities in educational attainment, such as the digital divide.
AI's Impact on Social Integrity, Well-being and Academic Performance of International Students
The present investigation explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in international students' lives. It fosters a sense of belongingness and community engagement among international students of Chandigarh University using AI. It looks at the reality of AI in improving social integration, academic advancement, and general well-being through advanced education mechanisms and support system applications. AI-enabled tools such as smart tutoring systems, chatbots, and language translation software help in academic conversions and cross-cultural communication. Additionally, services like mental health support via accessible counseling services, boosting emotional well-being, self-esteem, and happiness are on offer with AI's help. The research also addresses algorithmic biases and data privacy challenges, stressing the need for ethical considerations in AI use. Overall, it highlights AI's potential to enhance international students' experiences during their stint at host country.
Our goal for this special issue was to expand and deepen the understanding and application of the concept of intersectionality, recognizing its untapped potential. We invited open contributions from diverse academic and practitioner viewpoints, encouraging submissions from both the Global South and North. We aimed to explore various interpretations of intersectionality’s value across multiple contexts and disciplines. Using Collins and Bilge’s (2016) framework, we conceptualized intersectionality as a theoretical lens, analytical strategy, and form of praxis throughout our editorial process. We embraced these dimensions organically while maintaining sensitivity in our double-anonymous review. By sharing these insights, we reflect on our own (un)learning and its application to our academic practices. This editorial also serves as an introduction to the articles featured in this special issue, advancing the scholarly discourse on intersectionality and promoting ongoing dialogue in future research and practice.
The Mediating Role of Colorblindness on Gender and Acceptability of Racial Microaggressions among Black People at a Historically White Institution
Chronic exposure to racial microaggressions (i.e., interpersonal race-based insults or invalidations that are often based stereotypes) may lead to traumatic stress symptoms, increased headaches, reduced self-efficacy, and fatigue among Black individuals. We were interested in examining differences in how Black students, faculty, and staff at a historically white institution rate racial microaggressions as acceptable, with particular focus on gender and colorblind racial attitudes as predictors. Using survey-based methods and mediation analysis, we found that colorblind racial attitudes mediate the relation between gender and ratings of acceptability. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Cultural Transformation and the Evolution of Festivals: The Impact of Modernization on the K’Ho Ethnic Minority in Vietnam
This paper investigates the cultural transformations of the K’Ho ethnic minority in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, with a focus on the impact of modernization and external influences on traditional festivals such as the New Rice Celebration, Buffalo Stabbing, and Gong Festivals. Applying social change theories, including conflict theory, global social change and syncretism, evolutionary theory, and acculturation theory, the study explores how these dynamics shape cultural practices within the K’Ho community. The research employs a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect and analyze data simultaneously to provide a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic factors driving these cultural shifts. The findings reveal a significant decline in participation in traditional K’Ho festivals, influenced by factors such as urbanization, the transformation of local economic models, and socio-demographic changes. Additionally, the research highlights the critical role of Vietnamese government policies in both the preservation and adaptation of cultural practices. The study concludes with recommendations for targeted policies to support cultural preservation, emphasizing the importance of education, government intervention, and tourism integration to maintain the cultural identity of the K’Ho people in the face of modernization.
Buddhist Philosophy and Confucian Thought: Reinterpreting Family Values among Vietnamese Youth in Contemporary Society
This study explores changing family values among Vietnamese youth amid socio-economic transformation and globalization. While traditional values like marriage and filial piety remain important, they increasingly coexist with modern ideals emphasizing education, economic stability, and personal autonomy. Using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 397 young adults aged 18–30, the study offers both quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings reveal growing acceptance of non-traditional structures, including cohabitation, single parenthood, and shared caregiving, signaling a shift toward more progressive, inclusive family models. These changes reflect a redefinition of familial roles and expectations. The study’s implications are relevant for educators, policymakers, and social workers aiming to strengthen family cohesion and adapt to evolving societal dynamics in contemporary Vietnam.
Hired by Artificial Intelligence: Digital Inclusion Practices for People With Disabilities
Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances across various industries, including healthcare, finance, education, robotics, entertainment, and commerce. Human resource (HR) management plays a crucial role in AI, helping employees feel valued and creative. However, AI-powered systems often neglect the needs of people with disabilities, who often face barriers in digital environments. This paper aims to investigate digital inclusion practices for people with disabilities in AI-driven human resource management systems. It proposes a heuristic evaluation method for software accessibility assessment based on international standards. The objectives include researching best practices for digital workplace inclusion, studying international standards for software accessibility, and researching AI-powered recruitment systems. An experiment assessed the accessibility of color schemes for people with color blindness.