What Is a Conceptual Framework in Research? Essay

construct which "explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied -- the key factors, concepts, or variables -- and the presumed relationships among them" (Miles & Huberman 1994, cited in Chapter 3: 39). In the case of my qualitative research, one critical component of the conceptual framework is the relationship between gender and a person's propensity to be the victim of human trafficking. Women are presumed to make up the majority of persons who are the victims of human trafficking. Whether this is because the types of trafficking to which they are subjected are more likely to be discovered or because this is actually the case is somewhat controversial and will be one of the focal areas of my research.

The fact that women are more likely to be trafficked than males seems logical. Women are more apt to be poor and vulnerable, specifically in the developing world. This has caused many to speak of the 'feminization of poverty' worldwide.The sex trade is also a major part of the reason people are trafficked although not the only reason. However, some authors believe that the number of male victims is underrepresented because nonsexual labor exploitation garners less press and is more likely to fly under the legal 'radar.' Regardless of this is the case, the concept of gender clearly influences who is trafficked and why and how the subject is perceived through the eyes of researchers. Thus a feminist conceptual lens seems warranted: feminists stress the degree to which gender norms (both male and female) influence the ways in which a particular phenomenon is viewed.

An analysis of the impact of social class will also be important. A presumption of the research conceptual framework is that class is a relevant consideration, since there is overwhelming evidence in the research literature that persons who are trafficked are socially disadvantaged. They are often lured with the prospect of legitimate employment and then find themselves forced to work.....