Geographies of child trafficking in Guangdong Province, China (1980–2020): Spatial dynamics and socio-economic drivers

Child trafficking is a pervasive global issue that poses significant challenges to governments and societies worldwide. This study focuses on child trafficking in Guangdong Province, China, a region characterized by significant economic disparities, large floating populations, and deeply rooted cultural preferences. Utilizing data from the 'Baby Come Home' public welfare website and statistical yearbooks, this research employs the GeoDetector method to analyze the spatial distribution, temporal trends, and socio-economic factors driving child trafficking from 1980 to 2020. The findings reveal that child trafficking in Guangdong Province is predominantly influenced by the region's socio-economic dynamics, particularly the presence of large migrant populations and a cultural preference for male children. The spatial analysis identifies economically developed cities as hotspots for trafficking due to their substantial migrant populations. Additionally, the study highlights the significant role of population mobility in shaping the temporal and spatial patterns of these crimes. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis of child trafficking in a region that has been underexplored. It echoes and advances current trends in geographical approaches to child trafficking, particularly the integration of child-focused studies, mixed methods, and comparative perspectives. The study’s findings offer important implications for policy development and law enforcement, providing insights that can guide targeted interventions to prevent child trafficking and protect vulnerable children. Furthermore, the methodological approach employed in this research offers a model for future studies on child trafficking in other regions.