Prism of Power and Visualizing Vulnerability: Gender, Class, and Patriarchy in Indian Cinema’s Depiction of Human Trafficking and Sex Work

Abstract

Human trafficking and sex work in India are often represented in films and media through narratives shaped by structural inequalities, including poverty, weak legal enforcement, and patriarchal social systems. These representations intersect with broader issues of race, gender, and power, reflecting or disrupting prevailing social and political narratives. The study investigates the role of visual media in shaping public perceptions of human trafficking and explores how these depictions influence both societal attitudes and policy responses. It also examines the socio-cultural factors contributing to these portrayals, with particular attention to how the media either reinforces harmful structures or creates spaces for critical reflection and advocacy for change. This paper examines pivotal Indian films which depict the socio-economic and psychological struggles of sex workers and trafficked individuals. The theoretical framework is grounded in feminist theory, postcolonial theory, and media studies. These interdisciplinary perspectives offer a nuanced understanding of how race, gender, and class intersect in the portrayal of human trafficking and sex work. One of the primary research objectives is to analyze how Indian films depict the relationship between patriarchy and prostitution, particularly in representations of sex workers as victims of poverty, familial pressure, and patriarchal control. A further objective is to investigate the portrayal of social stakeholders in contemporary media, particularly those involved in combatting human trafficking. This aspect of the research employs network analysis to map the relationships between traffickers, victims, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations as depicted in films. Through an integrated methodology of case studies, content analysis, and network analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of how media representations shape public perceptions and policy responses to trafficking. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to ongoing debates about the role of visual culture in combating human trafficking and promoting social justice.