Abstract

Throughout their writing career, female novelists have strived to intertwine personal experiences with political issues, using their voices as a means of taking a stance. In her novel In the Kitchen, British author Monica Ali explores various sociopolitical themes such as immigration, assimilation, human trafficking, and the unique challenges faced by immigrant women in contemporary society. Ali sheds light on how ordinary women become victims of sex trafficking. This study draws upon feminist theories such as Valerie Bryson’s Feminist Political Theory to analyze Ali’s work. Instead of focusing on immigrants’ integration into British society, In the Kitchen shines a spotlight on individuals who are subjected to human trafficking. By addressing the pressing issue of sex trafficking under globalization, Ali raises awareness about the violation of human rights amid threats of violence. This research seeks to examine how bodies can be commodified within power dynamics through various means such as prostitution or human trafficking.