When researching and critically evaluating the global issue of human trafficking, I managed to enrich my experience as a researcher, a professional, and an individual due to the facts and insights gained through this activity. My individual framework of perceiving the world around me has changed significantly due to the thought-provoking analytical process of the issue investigation. In particular, before approaching this project, I did not focus my attention on the reasons and contributing factors of global problems, such as human trafficking. Although I was aware of the historical precedent of slavery impacting the contemporary rate of this crime, I neglected the social factor. Indeed, my world perception now entails the incorporation of a multitude of opinions, needs, and interests due to the diversity of people representing the same society. According to Heisterkamp (2019), mindful self-reflection is inherently connected with social justice since it allows for the “understanding of social justice that may not be readily apparent” (p. 538). Thus, my perception of the world is now shaped not by the interest of the majority but by the recognition of a multitude of equally important opinions.
Similarly, when working on human trafficking, I managed to enhance my bias awareness. It is a helpful skill for an individual living in a diverse society. Through my experience of examining my own biases, I learned that the ability to detect, analyze, and address discriminatory attitudes toward people who are different from me opens multiple perspectives on the same issue. For example, my biased view of human trafficking before I started researching this topic was based on my subjective view of the victims of that crime being prone to unlawful activity. More specifically, when addressing sex trafficking, I mistakingly assumed it to be a manifestation of women’s agreement to financialize their intercourses, which is a confirmation bias. In such a manner, my bias set responsibility for the crime on the victims due to the lack of my knowledge. However, through the analysis and critical evaluation of the problem in the context of globalization and diversity, I realized that even minor manifestations of discrimination contribute to the larger issues of social injustice. I now try to approach an issue or a population from the perspectives deprived of implicit prejudice.
Understanding the importance of diversity in the context of globalization research is essential for my professional and academic advancement. Indeed, for an academic pursuing a rigorous and non-biased research inquiry, understanding diversity through reflection and objective critical evaluation is essential. In my future academic efforts in the field of social sciences, I intend to investigate the problem of social injustice, which, at its core, emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity to protect human rights. As stated by Heisterkamp (2019), “being mindful is important because when we are unaware, we may unconsciously participate in the reproduction of societal structures” (p. 538). In other words, for a researcher to conduct valuable and coherent research, diversity and bias awareness should be cornerstones ensuring study credibility and validity. Understanding diversity issues in the context of globalization that I have gained throughout this project will help me in my future academic and professional life due to their valuable contribution to my worldview. When analyzing the causes and manifestations of social inequality, I will assess the arguments for the presence of bias and ensure the incorporation of multiple perspectives to ensure my objectivity as a researcher.
Reference
Heisterkamp, B. (2019). Self-reflection and communication: Experiences in social justice and compassion.Western Journal of Communication, 83(5), 537-541. Web.