'What Happens Next?': Swipe Right for Slavery - What Does Modern Slavery Look Like?
Hedwards
In many ways, our modern world is marked by progress and innovation. A closer look into many globalised industries, however, reveals a dark underbelly: There are more slaves today than ever before in human history.
This episode of Monash University’s podcast, What Happens Next?, kicks off a three-part series on the often overlooked realities of modern slavery. Host Dr Susan Carland is joined by criminologist Dr Bodean Hedwards for a thought-provoking conversation that dissects the complexities of this harrowing truth.
Modern slavery is a multifaceted term that encompasses a range of exploitative practices, from human trafficking to forced labour, to bonded labour and debt bondage, to forced marriage. Bo emphasises the need for nuanced definitions that recognise the different experiences within these terrible experiences.
The figures are staggering – an estimated 40.3 million people are trapped in some form of modern slavery globally. Bo underscores the challenge of accurately quantifying this issue: “Reporting is notoriously hard. It's inconsistent.”
The conversation peels back layers, revealing uncomfortable truths about consumer complicity. Bo paints a vivid picture, saying, “There is no single industry not touched by this issue.” From clothing to technology, modern slavery lurks within supply chains, often hidden from consumers’ eyes.
Listen: Is It Time to Rethink Our Wardrobes?
Although Bo says that we’re already living in a dystopian world in which technologies such as Instagram and mobile apps are being perverted to support this inhumane practice, the good news is that there’s a ray of hope. Consumers and anti-slavery advocates are behind a growing movement demanding ethical practices, prompting businesses to reconsider their supply chains. Bo believes change is inevitable, especially as consumers make their voices heard.
“We’re seeing change and change is happening. There is a lot of research that will now show that it is financially just bad business to have slavery in your supply chains... Consumers are demanding it.” - Dr Bodean Hedwards
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In this series
About the Authors
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Bodean hedwards
Criminologist
Bodean Hedwards is currently undertaking her PhD at Monash University examining the forced and irregular migration of Tibetan refugees on the Tibet-Nepal border. Bodean has also worked with the Australian Institute of Criminology in Canberra on a range of issues, including anti-human trafficking, countering violent extremism and indigenous justice.
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Susan carland
Director, Bachelor of Global Studies, and Lecturer, School of Language, Literature, Cultures and Linguistics
Susan's research and teaching specialties focus on gender, sociology, contemporary Australia, terrorism, and Islam in the modern world. Susan hosted the “Assumptions” series on ABC’s Radio National, and was named one of the 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices in 2012 by The Age.
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