Hegemonic Masculinity, Health Administration, and Male Human Trafficking Victims inthe United States: A Public Health and Economic Analysis

Abstract

Human trafficking remains a significant public health crisis in the United States, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Despite ongoing efforts, systemic shortcomings in U.S. anti-trafficking frameworks perpetuate the invisibility of male survivors, who constitute 25% of trafficking victims. This analysis investigates the role of hegemonic masculinity in shaping public health policies, revealing entrenched biases that hinder the identification and support of male victims. Cultural constructs of masculinity portray men as invulnerable, contributing to inequitable funding allocation, inadequate service provision, and the neglect of trauma-specific interventions. The analysis highlights how these oversights exacerbate health disparities, deepen homelessness, and impose substantial economic burdens on society. By addressing these systemic failures, the research advocates for transformative solutions—including equitable resource redistribution, targeted educational reforms, innovative policies, and comprehensive data collection. The study underscores the ethical imperative of dismantling gender biases to ensure inclusive anti-trafficking strategies that enhance resilience, promote health equity, and uphold human rights.