Framing modern slavery – how to talk about modern slavery to improve its public understanding in the UK.
Thursday 17 October 2024, 12.30 - 1.15 pm
James Robertson, Associate at the Public Interest Research Institute (PIRC).
There is evidence suggesting that a large part of the British public have a relatively narrow view of modern slavery and what should be done to address it, mainly focused on punishing the perpetrators and ‘educating’ those at risk to avoid being exploited, whilst leaving out how systemic drivers create the conditions that can cultivate and sustain exploitation. There is also growing evidence that language used to describe modern slavery is not accepted by some people with lived experience.
A recent research project, carried out by the Public Interest Research Centre (PIRC) in close collaboration with the Modern Slavery and Human Rights PEC, aimed to develop narratives and ‘frames’ that could be more effective at increasing the understanding of modern slavery amongst the British public, enabling a more evidence-based and survivor-informed public debate.
A crucial part of the project was a collaboration with a group of survivors of modern slavery in the UK to make sure the language and narratives are guided by and resonates with people with lived experience.
In this lunchtime seminar marking this year’s Anti-Slavery Day, James Robertson, an Associate at PIRC who led this research, will share the findings and practical tips on what to think about when communicating about modern slavery, including:
- how to get beyond the current dominating narrative of defenceless victims needing to be rescued from evil traffickers,
- problems with the frame of ‘modern slavery’ and the need to talk about specific forms of exploitation
- the importance of providing specific causes and solutions,
- evoking respect and empathy, not pity, to help reduce blame placed on individuals and shift public attitudes
- terms to describe people with lived experience and the need to be guided by them
The seminar will include a 15 minutes presentation and a short Q&A so you can fit it into your lunch break.
More reading about this research:
Modern Slavery PEC lunchtime seminar series
At the Modern Slavery PEC we believe in increasing the understanding of modern slavery, particularly through promoting the latest robust and relevant evidence in a way that is accessible to everyone.
This is why we have started a series of monthly lunchtime seminars, at which modern slavery researchers can share their latest findings with a diverse audience - everyone is welcome! The format is deliberately accessible and concise: no more than 15 minutes to present, followed by questions and discussion. Each seminar will last no longer than 45 minutes, which we hope will fit nicely into your lunch break!
We’ll be asking researchers who present to explain their findings in plain language that non-experts can easily understand, focusing on the real-world implications of their work and potential for impact on policy or practice, and, above all, on people and communities affected by modern slavery.
The seminars are open to anyone to join – you don’t have to be a researcher yourself. We encourage everyone interested to come along.
For those who can't make it, we will record the presentations and publish them on our YouTube channel and as short podcasts.
