Dissertation
Return to sender: a multi-method study of guardianship against transnational sexual exploitation of children
On 22 June, Anneke Koning defended the thesis 'Return to sender: a multi-method study of guardianship against transnational sexual exploitation of children'. The doctoral research was supervised by Joanne van der Leun, Masja van Meeteren and Johan van Wilsem.
- Author
- Anneke Koning
- Date
- 22 June 2023
- Links
- Return to sender: a multi-method study of guardianship against transnational sexual exploitation of children
In recent decades, countries around the globe have taken measures to stop sexual exploitation of children by transnational offenders. But despite the growing attention for this problem, scientific research about sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism (SECTT) is in its infancy. Using a novel application of the theoretical framework of guardianship to SECTT, this doctoral dissertation investigates the role of third parties in combating child sexual exploitation by transnational offenders. How can governments, in both destination and sending countries, enact guardianship against SECTT? To what extent can individual citizens, like you and me, help to stop it? And which lessons can be learned for more effective policy?The studies in this book illustrate the possibilities and challenges for governments and citizens to enact guardianship against SECTT, while demonstrating different research methods that can be used to bring more light to this under-researched problem. Highlighting the importance of perceptions, unpicking the responsibilities of sending countries, and at times challenging popular conceptions, the book’s timely plea against superficial solutions draws attention to the need for more evidence-based policy. Those involved in child protection, from academics to practitioners, will find the material in this book an insightful starting point to inform new ways of confronting SECTT.
De vier deelonderzoeken uit dit proefschrift illustreren, door middel van uiteenlopende onderzoeksmethoden, de mogelijkheden en uitdagingen voor overheden en burgers om dit onderbelichte probleem tegen te gaan. Het onderzoek laat zien dat de manier waarop mogelijke 'guardians' kijken naar het probleem een belangrijke rol speelt in de mate en manier waarop toezicht vormgegeven wordt. Om oppervlakkige oplossingen te voorkomen is het van belang kritisch te blijven over onze percepties van transnationaal seksueel kindermisbruik, om te reflecteren op de verantwoordelijkheden van bronlanden, en om populaire opvattingen over TSK waar nodig ter discussie te stellen.