Commodification as a concept in anthropology refers to treating the human body and its parts as mere objects of a measurable economic value. It violates the known social meaning of the human body in general (Dixo-Woods, p. 3). It has mostly been fueled by the creeping in new entities such as organ transplantations and plastic reconstructions of the human body that have made bioscience and biomedicine a trade (Dixo-Woods, p. 2). As a result, body parts have, from time to another, been sold, with the trafficking of body parts becoming a new trending concept. This discussion herein looks into the history and the current conditions of commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts. Also discussed are some of the causes of the commodification of bodies and body parts. Reactions by both individuals and institutions have also been common, with many resisting the commodification of bodies and body parts attributing the same to trafficking. Some of the responses to the commodification of bodies and body parts are also herein discussed. Commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts cannot be accepted by society, and therefore efforts should be directed towards their elimination.
Commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts is an entity with a relatively long history. In prehistoric times, it often came in the form of the slave trade. Some people, especially of inferior races and gender, were considered objects of value exchangeable through trade. The main drivers for the same were cheap labor and sexual exploitation. Currently, human beings’ trade, which directly insinuates both commodification and trafficking, appears to adopt both regimes of whole human versus body parts. Drug trafficking and sex-related crimes remain key motivators for entire human beings trafficking. On the other hand, especially with advancements in medicine, organ transplantation has become the key motivator for body parts trafficking. Some of the commonest organs include kidneys and reproduction tissue (Marway et al., p. 582). It conceivably is important that efforts be made towards restoring the immeasurable value of the human being and his constituent body parts.
Numerous causes of the commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts have been identified from different research works. The desire to benefit economically, as a cause, has been the most significant cause for the dealing of body parts as in trafficking. According to research, the great demand for body parts in the black market has potentiated this practice’s extensive growth (Pressbooks, par. 3). Other than this, poverty is another cause fueling the trafficking of body parts. Many individuals, and particularly body parts donors, have frequently opted to donate their body parts for financial reasons. Crime is another cause as many people, especially with the introduction of biometric systems, have engaged, in one way or another, in activities directly relating to the concept in terms. Body parts such as the cornea and fingers are the most commonly associated with matters of criminal activities. Finally, culture is also a cause as some cultural beliefs have also led to incidences qualifying as trafficking of body parts. These and many other reasons for this heinous concept’s continued embracement are a substantial target towards developing strategies to end commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts.
Since the advent of commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts, many people have responded differently, especially with the concerning growth in its rife. Such people include anthropologists, who have an intense fear of human beings’ sustainability, considering this concept is destructive to humankind (Dixo-Woods). Some have formed human rights movements to liberate against engagements promoting the same. Such include drug abuse, sex trafficking, and other crime-related events. Especially as seen with the activities often involved in the health sector, such as organ transplantation, many people have responded by forming a resistance to such. Many believe that the underlying laws set to protect against violations relating to this menace have instead led to a rise in commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts-related events. Such include those guiding on organ transplantation protocols. Generally, as seen from their responses, many people are against this concept and willing to go to whichever miles to see to its eradication.
In conclusion, the trafficking of bodies and body parties, which is a result of commodification, is continuously becoming a concept of concern. It is not new as it has existed since way back in history where encounters such as the slave trade for labor and sexual exploitation were relatively common. The concept has continuously become even more sophisticated as modern engagements such as organ transplantation have created a platform for the growth in body and body parts exploitation. There are many causes to the advancement in this concept, most of which are founded on the human desire for economic gain. Given the threat that this concept poses to human beings’ wellbeing, many individuals have responded in numerous different ways, such as protesting against given practices. Of significance is the need to address commodification and trafficking of bodies and body parts to create a better society.