Conceptualization of Modern Slavery in a Non-Western Context

This study aims to identify how modern slavery in the Middle East is conceptualized in academic research. For that purpose, an extensive literature review for the period 2000–2023 was conducted. The identified 29 studies published on the topic unanimously demonstrate that there is strong evidence for presence of practices that could be considered modern slavery in the Middle East. These studies are analyzed, and factors related to micro, meso and macro levels of research in relation to the phenomenon are presented. The study findings offer a conceptualization of modern slavery in the Middle East and relevant suggestions for further research that can broader scholarly understanding of the phenomenon and can offer practical steps for eradicating such practices.