Independent Child Migration in Southern Benin - An Ethnographic Challenge to the Pathological Paradigm

This book explores the reasons why children independently migrate in Southern Benin. It is inspired by the evident disjunct between the dominant discursive representations of 'child trafficking' and the multiple and overlapping realities of independent child migrants in the country. It is based on detailed participant observation and dozens of interviews with Beninese children and adults. Using a theoretical framework that challenges the assumptions underpinning western understandings of family, children, childhood, mobility, structure and agency, the book demonstrates that child migration in Benin is an ever-changing but deeply embedded social reality, which has been fundamentally misconstrued by international civil society actors. Anyone interested in going beyond the reductive narrative of 'child trafficking' will find this essential reading.

About the author

Neil Howard is at the University of Oxford's Department of International Development, where he researches human trafficking, migrant labour and child labour.

Product details

• Authors: Neil Howard
• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2009
• EAN: 9783639190243
• ISBN: 978-3-639-19024-3
• No. of pages: 112
• Dimensions: 150 mm x 220 mm x 6 mm
• Weight: 165 g
• Subject: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general)