Joel Quirk

Joel Quirk is Professor in Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. His research focuses upon slavery and abolition, human mobility and human rights, repairing historical wrongs, and the history and politics of sub-Saharan Africa. Joel is currently a member of the International Scientific Committee of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, where he serves as Rapporteur. Your can follow him on twitter at @joelquirk.

Research as more than extraction? Knowledge production and gender-based violence in African conflicts

Researching gender-based violence in African conflicts is ethically treacherous. A new series looks at how researchers can avoid the worst pitfalls while working in the field.

By Joel Quirk and Annie Bunting

/ 24 Jun 2019

Research as more than extraction? Knowledge production and gender-based violence in African conflicts

Introduction: do the hidden costs outweigh the practical benefits of human trafficking awareness campaigns?

Raising awareness campaigns may be motivated by good intentions, but how much do they actually accomplish? What are the costs and benefits of campaigns? What works and doesn’t work? How can we know?

By Joel Quirk and Elena Shih

/ 20 Jun 2019

Introduction: do the hidden costs outweigh the practical benefits of human trafficking awareness campaigns?

Future of work round table

Current labour systems are leaving huge numbers of workers in vulnerable and precarious conditions. How can workers and their allies shape a better future for work? Twelve leading experts in the field weigh in.

By Cameron Thibos and Joel Quirk

/ 28 Feb 2019

Retórica y realidad del «fin de la esclavitud moderna»

El «abolicionismo moderno» enmarca sus actividades como parte de una lucha global compartida, pero no existe un movimiento único contra la esclavitud o contra la trata. English

By Joel Quirk

/ 18 Jul 2018

La política de los números: el Índice Global de esclavitud y el mercado del activismo

El Índice global de esclavitud presenta graves errores de tipo metodológico, sin embargo, sigue siendo citado de manera amplia y frecuente sin cuestionamiento crítico. ¿Qué hay tras la producción y el uso de datos estadísticos altamente sospechosos? English

By Joel Quirk and André Broome

/ 10 Jul 2018

Week 8: Strategies for combating forced and precarious labour

What is to be done?

By Joel Quirk

/ 1 Jun 2018

Week 8: Strategies for combating forced and precarious labour

Week 5: Legal rights and workplace protections for migrant workers

It's not a question of 'what can be done?', but one of 'what are we willing to do?'

By Joel Quirk

/ 1 Jun 2018

Week 5: Legal rights and workplace protections for migrant workers

Week 1: Introducing the global challenge of forced and precarious labour

Human trafficking and 'modern slavery' are the tip of the iceberg. Dive into the course to see the full depth.

By Joel Quirk

/ 1 Jun 2018

Week 1: Introducing the global challenge of forced and precarious labour

In whom should we trust? Regulation and responsibility in global supply chains

What is the best strategy for combating labour abuses in global supply chains? Should we continue with ‘corporate social responsibility’, or should we favour an alternative of international legal liability and accountability?

By Genevieve LeBaron and Joel Quirk

/ 13 Sep 2016

In whom should we trust? Regulation and responsibility in global supply chains

Follow the evidence: our series on 'research and representation'

BTS editors introduce the research methods stream of our ‘possible futures’ project, arguing that a stronger and more accurate knowledge base is necessary to advance advocacy efforts.

By Genevieve LeBaron and Joel Quirk

/ 3 Dec 2015

Follow the evidence: our series on 'research and representation'

BTS editors introduce the research methods stream of our ‘possible futures’ project, arguing that a stronger and more accurate knowledge base is necessary to advance advocacy efforts.

By Genevieve LeBaron and Joel Quirk

/ 3 Dec 2015

Uncomfortable silences: anti-slavery, colonialism and imperialism

The history of anti-slavery is replete with lessons, but those commonly cited by the new abolitionists are not the right ones.

By Joel Quirk

/ 22 Oct 2015