Child Labour Policies in Business

Introduction

Many European nations and the US are putting measures in place to ban the importation of goods produced with child labour to their territories.

In particular, in the US, through TVPRA (trafficking victims protection and reauthorisation act) of 2005, the US labour secretary coupled with other agencies and other departments are required to ensure that goods that are produced in violation to the set international labour standards are not sold in the United States of America.

Following the enactments made in 2008 to TVPRA, the labour secretary was required to compile a list of all goods produced through the inputs of child labour. In the year 2010, Hilda Solis compiled and forwarded the list.

Various US agencies and departments have also issued their guidelines on abolition of the importation of goods produced with child labour based on the list issued by the US labour secretary.

While the US and many other European nations accept that the banning of any illegal form of child labour is vital for enhancing observance of the rights for children, some nations, especially in the developing world, perceive child labour as one of the sources of economical sources of labour.

According to the statistics released by ILO (International Labour Organisation), approximately 18 percent of children falling in the age of 5 years to 14 years across the globe are active economically (International Labour office, 2002, p.43).

Thus, about 211 million children engage in works that earn wages in familys farms and production process of primary products in firms. They also engage in family-oriented enterprises established to make primary products, which are offered in the market for sale besides engaging in barter.

Therefore, they are in a state of unemployment though they continuously search for these types of chores. The statistics are worrying amid the intense focus of the US and many European nations on the need to curtail the exploitation of children.

In this paper, the focus is on how the increasingly strict child labour policies affect children in the developing countries such as the Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Pakistan in which companies such as Addidas and Nike base their production.

These two brands have been heavily accused of child labour over the past decade. This paper will show how this has affected children in these developing countries. These companies are located in Asia where child labour, according to ILO, is most prevalent: it stands at 60 percent.

In India, for instance, Burke (2000) claims, children as young as seven, were regularly used in the production of wide range of sports goods in which about 13 million pounds worth of these goods were meant for British markets (Para.7).

The paper also focuses on the question of how the policies on child labour have influenced the GPD of developing nations due to lack of education and labour opportunities for the newly unemployed children.

Finally, this paper will investigate how Addidas tried to compensate this cheap and available labour after the enactment of even stricter child labour policies.

Impacts of Restrictions on the Import of Goods produced with Child Labour on Children Living in the Developing Countries

The policies banning the importation of goods made with child labour are attributed to the need of preventing children from being worked under dehumanising conditions for low incomes.

Brown (2002) appreciates that children have been worked throughout history by asserting, the fact of children working and the difficult conditions under which children work occasionally become more evident&because of the increasing the number of children producing goods for export (p.3).

From this perspective, two questions are worth giving some thorough treatment:

  1. Why do children work?
  2. Why do companys such as Nike claim that they have shunned from employing children in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia and other nations and yet they are caught up in the accusation for employing children?

Many theories have been put forward to explain the circumstances under which children work. Some of these theories are discussed by Brown (2002) in his work entitled determinants of child labour: theory and evidence (pp 1-83).

This work comprises of theories of labour markets, which can be grouped into two: demand side and supply side determinants (Burke, 2000, p.23).

Children may engage in paid labour for a number of factors such as budget constraits for households, failure of bargaining power, and where children act as complementary inputs to household production (Brown , 2002, p.22) amongst others.

Budget constraints in households hinder the parents capacity to ensure equalisation of expenditure on edcuation across all their children. This occurs especially when parents possess minimal information on the value of borrowing for the sake of bettter income in some future time.

In such a situation, the level of spending on the first child and last born will be higher than family average (Brown , 2002, p.6). This disparity is explained by the relationship between constraints of family liquidity and investiments on children.

Where families are liquidity-constrained, they cannot utilise the returns earned on investiments in bettering the life of children until they enter into the labour force (Brown , 2002, p.6). On the other hand, upon the entry into the labour force of the oldest child in a family constrained by budgets liquidity, the family budget is relieved.

Consequently, it bceomes feasible and possible to invest in the other siblings. Therefore, it is more likely that first borns in a family that is liquidity costrained would venture into child labour since a direct correlation exists between child labour and educational attainement among children: child labour being also in a direct correlation with budget liquidity constraints.

Failure of bargaining power is a significant contributor to child labour.Quoting Robinson (2000), Brown argues, non-altruistic parents fail to invest in an efficient level of human capital in their children because the child cannot precommit to repay the loan made by the parent to the child while in school (2002, p.12).

On the other hand, in case of a purely artruistic parent, chances of the emergece of child labour cannot be rulled out since any bargaining with people employing the parents results into child labour.

This argument is evidenced by a case whereby an empoyee earns a suboptimal income, and the employer engages in bargaining with him or her in the attempt to increase the productivity of that employee through the increment of wages.

While this extra earnings may be meant for increasing the buying ability of the employee, in case he or she has a family, the range of commodities that the employee can buy may not increase, as it may be offset by increased consumption by his or her family.

Theoritically, to seal off this gap, the employer may consider hiring even the spouse and the children. This way, child labour results.

Where chidren serve as complementary sources of inputs for increasing household prodcutivity, child labour comes in. The figures released by ILO indicate that the prevalence of child labour is highest in developing economies.

However, this does not imply that, in such nations, all the children involved in child labour come from poor families since, according to Brown (2002), there are a number of assets that require a complementary input of labour, and families may expect to get that labour from their children (Connor, 2001, p.21).

Thus, putting in place measures to curtail accessibility to capital markets may not reduce child labour in the short run. For instance, in a family, irrespective of the the available wealth, the chances of eangagement of younger chidren in labour are reduced by the presence of older children within the family.

Also crucial to note is that, other than reasons pegged on inputs of education attaiment on the productivity of the parents, edcaution is a significant asset that may reduce child labour.

Demand is a subtle factor that contributes to the maganitutes of child labour in different nations. This factor is critical especially in the developing world in which industries have not mechanised fully.

In economic terms, the demand for child labour can be explained from the perspectives of demand for unskilled labour in comparison to skilled labour.

For the production technolologies, which require high levels of skilled labour, child labour is minimal. On the other hand, in production technologies that require unskilled labour, immense opportunities exist for meanial chores.

The correlation between the state of technology of a production system and child labour is evidenced by Admassie who argues, there is a strong correlation between the incidences of child labour and agriculturals share of GDP Ethiopia (Brown, 2002, p.25).

The more technology systems are backward, the greater the magnitude of child labour. The prevalence of child labour in such production systems does not imply that children are more precise in their work than adults. Rather, children can work for lesser wages in comparison to adults.

For instance, Nike has been accussed over several years that it employs children in its Cambodia plants. He argues, fake evidence of age could be bought in Cambodia for as little as $5 ( Boggan, 2001, Para 8).

While the stalemate of the companys accusation for employment of children remains unresolved, according to Boggan (2001), there are immense concerns that the company will make use of a very minimal portion of the cost of production of its pair of shoes (70 pounds) in the payment of labour.

Nevertheless, amid the high call for Nike to ensure that workers within its Asian production plant are remunerated accordingly, the company treated sweatshop allegations as an issue of public relations rather than an issue of human rights (Boggan, 2001, Para. 21).

Measures to provide good working conditions at the Nike plants in the Asian countries face challenges both emanating from the managers and the employees. For instance, When the Jobs Inspector Calls (2012) claims that managers bribe auditor so that they can report on lesser working hours and higher pay rates (Para.9).

On the other hand, workers, particularly the immigrants, are normally willing to work longer hours so that they can maximise their savings. However, When the Jobs Inspector Calls (2012) does not report any issues related to employment of children and or factors that may make the company tolerate child labour within its factories.

Through the companys watch, Tom Connor, the company holds, finishing work in a Nike contract factory, the great majority of Nike workers will go back to rural areas marked by extreme poverty ( Boggan, 2001, Para 10.). Due to this poverty, employees have a little bargaining power with the employers.

Their budgets are thus likely to be liquidity-constrained. Stemming from the earlier discussions, these constraints lead to an increase in child labour atleast for the first child in a family. For the Cambodias Nike plants, this may happen in the attempt to garner more financial security in case the contracts are over.

Indeed, according to Boggan (2001), the company accepts this arguement when it argues that employees future economic security is very much tied up with what they earn now (Para.11).

A survey results of three factories based in Philippines, Indonesia, and Srilanka amplify this arguement in the sense, not one of them paid living wages to their combined 100,000 strong workforce (Bunting, 2008, Para. 5), and yet people reported to work on a daily basis.

In Indonesia, about 25 percent of all the workers were placed on temporary contracts while, in Philippines, the number hiked to 85 percent. Worse still, the emplopyees who were subjected to a compulsory overtime were supposed to meet high production targets only to recieve low wages later (Bunting, 2008, Para.7).

In Indonesia, at the Sukabuni factory that makes converse shoes, workers complained that they had experienced encouters of direct abuse from the supervisors, something that Nike does not deny. However, the company is quick to argue that it can only do little to stop it (Daily Mail Reporter, 2011, Para. 2).

All these have the capacity to subject employees to budget liquidity constraits thus giving rise to instances of child labour to increase household incomes.

Arguably, instances of families willigly permiting their children to engage in paid labour are an attempt to maximise the familys wealth before Nikes constracted factotries are closed often making the employees to go back to their poor rural areas. This phenomenon is an exemplification of the supply side factors that may contribute to child labour.

The supply side factors for increased child labour may be explained in three models. The first model is based on the argument that parents settle on decisions on child education and or labour through the consideration of the need to maximise the wealth of their families.

Accodring to this model, child labour arises when the rate of return on an education falls below the market rate of interest (Brown, 2002, p.41). Such families are essentially constrained by credit. In model two, child labour surfaces to enhance transferability of household assets into the present from the future.

Cosequently, child labour occurs in situations where the assets of the household are zero. Lastly, according to the third model, parents are selfish but cannot control the incomes of their children once they become adults ( Brown, 2002, p.41).

Therefore, parents would place their children for labour in the desire to ensure that they are able to control their incomes at an age when it is possible to control them. Over the years, scholarly evidence has resulted into rejection of the first and the second models.

The supply side and demand side factors that attract opportunities for children to work pose immense impacts on the measures to boycott the consumption of products produced with child labour on children in the developing countries.

In the first place, restricting the importation of Nike and Addidas products on the basis that they are produced with child labour input will result to laying off all chldren labourers in the attempt to retain the market share of these two global bands within the European nations and the US markets.

Third-world nations have been depending on donors aid to fund their budgets due to the low productivity levels. This implies that third-world nations are consumer markets. For the citizens to satisfy their demands, they have to operate under the constraints of budgets liquidity.

Restricting the selling of goods produced with child labour would imply that, in such nations, families and households would even suffer more budget liquidity since the portion of household incomes generated by children will be shut off.

Even though the main goal of boycotting the consumption of products produced with child labour is to increase the levels of educational attainment among third-world children, such a measure may not ammount to the realisation of this endevour.

This is because, by simply laying off the children labourers, it does not outlightly mean that companies such as Addidas and Nike, which base their production in the third-world nations, especially Asia (Burke, 2000, para. 11), would increase the incomes earned by their parents.

However, restriction of the sale of products that are produced with child labour would truncate into a reduction of the output capacity of many companies whose labour markets are open to hiring children.

In the nations where many of the factories are operated by contractors who, upon making products, are supplied to the European markets and the US such as Nike products, a total restriction of the importation of products that are produced with child labour implies that the nations would have a reduced flow of money within their territorie.

This translates to a slowed economic growth. According to Dagdemir (2010), economic growth increases the demand for child labour, especially during the lack of goverment intervention, labour markets becomes open to child labour  (p.1).

From this position, it is essential to note then that economic growth in nations that exploit children to provide labour is in a direct proportion with child labour. Slowing econimc growth by restricting the importation of products produced with child labour would result to a reduction of child labour globally.

Families that rely on these children to generate incomes would suffer from reduced buying power atleast in the short run.

However, in the end, in an economic sense, the families would gain since the reduction in child labour translates to an increase in education attainement and hence the availability of a more skilled labour, which is remunerated better than the unskilled labour because educational attainement is negatively correalted with child labour.

Many of the economic researches that look into the causes of child labour in the developing nations cite poverty among households and government polices as the main factors that fuel the increase of incidences of child labour.

Boycotting products that are produced with child labour translates to sanctioning of governments whose production plants hire children to alter their policies if they have to participate in international trades.

This leads to an increase in the rate of economic development in such nations since, according to Dagdemir (2010), use of child labour is negatively related to economic development (p.39). In the developed world, there are standardised labour laws, which are strictly adhered.

This makes workers in the developed world to have better working conditions. Boycotting the consumption of products made with child labour would result to a reduction of the incidences of mistreatment of workers in general.

This follows because, when the developed nations sanction trades with developing nations, a mechanism for enforcing labour policies may be obtained, which, according to Dagdemir (2010), governments in developing countries often lack resources to enforce child labour claims (p.39).

In the attempt to comply with requirement for non-engagement of children to supply labour in factories imposed on plants situated in the developing world, governments may opt for a compulsory placement for children in schools.

They may also result to subsidising education through programs such as the stipend programs deployed by the Brazilian government to reduce child labour to boost school enrollment (Vawda, n.d, pp.1-3).

While this measure may help the developing worlds governments to ensure compliance with the imposed trade sanctions seeking to curtail the importation of products produced with child labour, the measure may make many children have accessibility to education and hence better jobs in future.

In the deployment of measures to fight against child labour through the restriction of importation of products produced with inputs of child labour, the assumption is that adult labour may replace child labour.

In this dimension, child labour may be argued to create unemployment to adults. Indeed, child labour deterrence act of the US states, the employment of children under the age of 15 years&ignores the importance of increasing jobs, aggregate demand, and purchasing power among adults as catalyst to development in many developing countries (Doran, 2010, p.2).

This argument is consistent with the ILO that holds that incidences of child labour result to low job accessibility rates to adults coupled with poor wages (Doran, 2010, p.2).

Essentially, then, restricting the importation of products that are produced with child labour would not only make parents seek for alternative ways of keeping their children busy but also protect the children from exploitation by capitalistic companies seeking optimal profits.

This impact of restriction of importation of products produced with child labour is enhanced by Doran (2010) who, through the utilisation of data generated from a schooling experiment in Mexico, finds out, decreasing child farm work is accompanied by increasing adult labour demand (p.1).

This means that a decrease in the supply of child labour leads to an increase in demand for adult labourers.

Arguably, therefore, by imposing sanction on products that are produced with child labour, a decrease in supply of child labour would result to an increase in demand for adults labour accompanied by an increment in the provisions of better working conditions, reduction in working hours, and even an increase in the wages paid to adults.

This way, the loss in welfare incurred by laying off children workers is offset by this increase of household incomes earned by adults.

Impacts of Increasing Strict Child Labour Policy on Children Living in Developing Countries

Many of the laws that necessarily help in elimination of child labour are enormously borrowed from the developed nations experience with child labour during their industrialisation age. Great Britain was transformed into the present-day industrial state from an agricultural nation.

In this process, Great Britain underwent immense social and economic changes. Amongst the most regretted experience is employment followed by the overworking of children in textile factories.

Nardinelli (1980) is also inclined to this line of thought by supporting Edward Thompsons argument, the exploitation of little children, on this scale and with this intensity, was one of the most shameful events in our history (p.739).

Tantamount to the situations faced by workers in the Sukunami plant in Indonesia, the great Britain textile factories masters (supervisors) were brutal and often garnered effort to oppress children working in industries in a manner that was comparable to  that of west Indian slaves (Nardinelli, 1980, p.739).

Arguably, even without the imposition of any rules to curb child labour, the Great Britains industries evolved through the development process to appreciate and respect the rights of children. For the case of the developing nations, they are in a similar stage experienced by the developed world in their industrialisation age.

Thus, it is possible for the developing world to arrive to the same state as the Great Britain, the US, and the European nations at some time in the future to respect the rights of children.

There is the need to utilising the experiences of the developed worlds instances of the abuse of the child right through overworking them in industries coupled with the set out rules and principles to guide in the embracement of policies subtle for protection of children rights.

Therefore, with globalisation, developing nations may take lesser time to refrain from employing children as a cheap source of labour.

Advocating for stricter child labour laws to control child labour produces myriads of impacts on children living in the developing world. Consistent with the argument of the previous section, a total restriction of children from participating in paid labour may increase the school enrolment rates.

Oonk (2008) supports this argument. He further argues that an increase in child labour impairs the acquisition of human capital (Oonk, 2008, p.7). What this statement means is that education attainment is inversely proportion to child labour.

In the developing world, apart from the challenges of poverty, which have been often associated with an increase in child labour (Edmonds & Pavcnik, 2005, p.199), imposing strict laws on child labour so that parents can only choose to send their children to school as opposed to work faces some challenges associated with the quality of learning provided in schools.

The argument here is that, declining child labour may only lead to an increase in human capital acquisition if schools are available and parents consider the available schools as affordable and accessible coupled with having a paramount quality of learning such that parents consider such schools as useful.

Increment in child labour is viewed to influence trade from the contexts of the increment of availability of unskilled labour. The more the unskilled labour, the more the shift of the production systems deployed towards being labour intensive.

Therefore, even with sophistication of production systems, lesser opportunities are created for skilled labourers.

Imposing stricter laws on child labour may thus help in shifting this pattern so that, for companies such Nike and Addidas, which rely on easily available labour in the Asian nations to make mega profit margins (Marks, 2012, Para. 8), may focus more on automation of plants so that more skilled labour may be required to run the factories.

Creating a no room for unskilled labour will make parents consider looking for mechanisms of giving their children the capacity to work in factories requiring higher levels of skilled labour. This can only be achieved through an increased enrollment of children in schools.

In the short run, households that depend on the incomes earned by children to boost their budgets would suffer budgetary.

However, the improved remuneration accompanied by the possession of higher skills levels may account for these deficits in the end so that imposition of stricter laws on child labour may raise the living standards of household, which is an indicator of the GDP of the nations, in the end.

Apart from violation of children rights, child labour results to various damages on the growth and development of children.

For instance, the International Labour Office informs, child labour is clearly detrimental to individual children preventing them from enjoying their childhood, hampering their development and sometimes causing lifelong physical or psychological damage (2002, p. 2).

Apart from individual detriments, child labour is also a problem to various communities and societies as a whole in places where it is prevalent. It leads to the exaggeration of the magnitudes of poverty, although poverty is amongst its causes, besides fostering social exclusion of children.

Child labour also slows national developments through denying children an opportunity to attend schools to gain education, which helps them garner skills, which lead to higher economic growths while fully utilised in adulthood and hence the GDP of the nations.

It is for this purpose that it is necessary to abolish child labour to ensure the availability of both skilled and high quality labour in the future. However, not all forms of works performed by children need to be abolished.

ILO sets out three groups of works that are worth abolishing so that children may become more productive in the future. The first group comprises of works that are executed by children who are below the minimum age that is stipulated under the national legislation through agreements with the international standards of labour.

Such works impede the development and child education (International Labour Office, 2002, p.9). The second group is called hazardous works, which include all works that jeopardise moral, mental, and physical well-being of children.

This category comprises of the worst forms of child labour, and takes into account tasks such as trafficking, slavery, and debt bondage coupled with other forms of forced works including engagement of children in prostitution, armed conflict, and even pornography amongst others (International Labour Office, 2002, p.9).

From the perspective of the works that are declared by ILO as worth abolishing, imposition of stricter laws on children labour particularly where children engage in the third group of works will have an overall effect of creating an educationally fit workforce.

These personnel will be more moral, ethical, and industrious in the future of the developing nations (Zagel, 2005, p.1). This workforce would be more cognisant of its rights and ways of claiming for the children so that the situations involving overworking of employees, denial of good pays among other negative treatments claimed by Nike workers in Sukunami factories in Indonesia are not experienced.

In Bangalore, India, not just general employees of all ages who are subjected to negative wok experience such as working extra time with no pay: children have to endure this challenge also. According to Ullas (2012), Bangalore has an approximately 14,980 child labourers (Para. 1).

Of this figure, boys account for 11,267. 90 percent of these boys engage in hazardous jobs, which includes construction, garage mechanics, hotel and bar boys, butchers, scavenging, granite works, blacksmiths and agarbatti manufacturing (Ullas, 2012, Para. 4).

When a sample of 1,594 boys was picked in an attempt to study the gravity of the challenge, it emerged that 67 percent were between 13-14 years old while 10 percent were between 9 to 10 years old. On the other hand, girls began to work at a lesser age compared to boys.

All these age groups fit into the definition of child labour offered by ILO. In the major-cited reasons for engagement in these jobs, poverty took an immense share while parents decision to withdraw them from school to help in supplementing households incomes was the second (Ullas, 2012, para.5).

Additionally, about a third of the children surveyed worked for 8 hours in daily with no extra wage given. This example depicts the impacts that stricter laws on child labour would have on children in the developing countries since its abolishing could lead to all these children being placed in schools.

Attempts by Addidas to Compensate for Cheap Labour

Addidas is a big brand that represents a sports peoples status. However, amid its recognition and brand equity, the company faced a mega controversy in the year 2000 related to mistreatment of employees in the Indonesian factories, which supplied conglomerates to Germany (Burke, 2000, Para.1).

The European parliament heard that the company made clothes that had child labour inputs. These children were in some instances forced to work overtime without extra pay. At times, they were sexually harassed.

The Indonesian workers representatives testified before the European parliament that, in Tuntex and the Nikoma Gemilang factories situated in the capital of Jakarta, children of 15 years and below worked for 15 hours in a day and 70 hours within a week for only $60 in a month besides being punished for failing to work overtime.

These wages were much below the par value set by the international labour organisations wage levels that are necessary to make workers live a decent life (International Labour Office, 2002, p.67).

Furthermore, according to Burke (2000), the workers representatives also alleged that these young children were penalised for taking leave during medical difficulties and had illegal deductions taken from wages as punishments for minor misdemeanors (Para.5).

These accusations were seen as a fresh re-emergence of the 1998 claims that the company produced footballs that contained the crest of Manchester United through child labour in India with the children labourers earning as little as 6p in an hour.

Most of the goods manufactured by Addidas are made through tenders that are awarded to factories located in the developing nations where labour is cheap, and where the company faces milder workers relation regulations in comparison to the US.

In Thailand, a woman in the Addidas factory who was later sacked in 1998 claimed that the company, through its management, deployed brutality to ensure that orders were finished within minimal time and cost of labour.

Workers were denied their rights such as sick pays and even statutory holidays to meet factory targets (Burke, 2000, Para.9).

In the light of the above accusations, the company maintained that it had strict labour codes of conduct that were adhered to in a bid to ensure that such oppressions of workers did not occur while also ensuring that labour wages were constantly monitored (Burke, 2000, Para.13).

Peter Csanandi, the Addidas spokesperson, reinforces this companys stand by stating that the company had very good factories characterised by good working conditions. Hence, the management of the company was incredibly serious about the issue of workers complains.

He further defended the company by claiming, we work closely with factory management and demand that they ensure good working conditions for workers and we also have a team of our own people who go to factories to sort out problem (Burke, 2000, Para.15).

However, the company accepted that, in some situations, the claimed complains may occur with the company having a little control over them especially in the locally contracted factories. In particular, in Britain, Addidas admitted having problems with the shoe factories located in Indonesia.

However, the company never stated the problems it faced with the two factories: it was quick to note that it had embarked on increasing workers pays besides taking pragmatic strategies to settle the overtime demand coupled with holding identity cards for labourers within the Nikomas factory to ensure that no person under the age of 18 years worked there.

This last defense measure indicated the likelihood of the company to have been making use of child labour in the two Indonesian factories.

Conclusion

The US, many European nations, and many other countries that are signatories of the international labour standards set out by the international labour organisation seek to restrict the importation of goods produced with child labour into their territories.

In Economic terms, this amounts to boycotting the consumption of such products. Should such sanctions be imposed, companies such as Nike and Addidas would suffer since they have been accused of selling goods with inputs from child labour in their third-world locally contracted factories.

In the paper, it was argued that these companies might not be willing to give up on the European and the US markets. Hence, they would embark on putting in mechanisms of ensuring that ILO provides good working conditions to the employees who meet the accepted working age.

Consequently, if children work in their factories, as stated, the companies would consider laying them off. Such children would be incapacitated to supplement household incomes. The likelihood is that parents would send these children to school, something that would increase the availability of skilled human capital.

Education attained is directly correlated with higher economic growth. Therefore, restriction of importation of goods produced with child labour and putting in place stricter rules on child labour, the developing nations would experience a growth of their GDP.

These two aspects that help in reducing child labour would boost the enrolment of children in schools. This outcome relates to economic growth, which raises any nations gross domestic product (GDP).

Reference List

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Dagdemir, O. (2010). The effects of globalisation on child labour in developing countries. Web.

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Doran, K. (2010). How does child labour affect the demand for adult labour? (Rep.). Web.

Edmonds, E., & Pavcnik, N. (2005). Child Labour in the Global Economy. Journal of EconomicPerspectives, 19(1), 199-220.

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Problem of Child Labor in Modern Society

Summary

Erick Edmonds looks at the current definitions of child labor with references to politicians and economists. Politicians refer to child labor as works that weaken the welfare of children. On the other hand, economists see child labor as economic activities where children participate. He also notes that child labor is a world phenomenon with the majority employers of these children being their parents.

Erick also looks at the reasons why children work. He observes impoverished situations in developing countries force children to engage in paying labor to supplement the meager family income. However, in some cases, child labor may not end even if the living standards improve because parents want to see their children earn. In developing countries, parents would want to see their children go to school. These studies across countries reveal that child labor develops out of poverty.

The author notes that globalization and child labor interact in two ways. Globalization is most likely to increase child labor in developing countries due to increase in demand for labor. On the other hand, improved household earnings can also reduce child labor if the main cause is poverty within the family.

Rich nations may also use their trade policies to curtail child labor by influencing the export of products from nations known to engage in child labor for productions. Erick demonstrates by study in Vietnam where increased earnings from rise led to reduction in child labor.

Ericks study shows that parents in developing nations use extra incomes to move their children out of the labor market. He further highlights that restricting exports from the developing nations to curtail child labor may not create the desired results. The best way to control child labor is through supplementing supports for household incomes, and probably to offer incentives for children to stay in school.

In short, the challenge for countries concerned about child labor is not to fight globalization and international trade, but rather to ensure that gains from the trade reach to the poor households. Evidences show that child labor can almost disappear if the living standards in poor households improve.

Worst forms of child labor

People concerned with the child labor have long recognized it as a general practice in developing nations. However, in the recent past, it has attracted the attention of economists. In this regard, the economists view of child labor is generally new. There are several abominable exploitations of children.

These are what constitute worst forms of child labor: child prostitution, bonded labor, child soldering or works with extremely hazardous, unhealthy or personally dehumanizing. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), these are the worst forms of child labor (Wiener, 2009).

Economists are disassociating themselves with the worst forms of child labor. They do not try to defend their existence or justify them. Conversely, they believe that the worst forms of child labor are on the decline. Currently, they have shifted their attentions to look at the child work around family farm, local farms, domestic works, in service industries or in an office environment. They argue that the term child labor is a catchall, which includes even the acceptable forms of child work.

Economic theory of child labor

Economists believe that most family would not like to see their children work. Conversely, most families who send their children to work do so because of pressing financial needs. They believe that it is the family responsible for the supply of child labor but not demand for it. This is because the prevailing adults wages are too low to support a household.

Therefore, families would prefer their children do not work, but the prevailing wage circumstances force them in labor to supplement the family income. In this context, if the parents earnings are adequate to support a household, then parents can afford to cater for their children school fees and keep them out of the labor market. This also implies that wages must remain high in order to restrict the supply of child labor because children are low earners (Hugh, 2009).

Historical

Historically, the developed nations once depended on child labor in conditions similar to these we observe in emerging nations. Historians point out that developed nations took time to resolve their child labor problem, but they are now impatiently pushing for immediate, and rapid solutions in developing countries.

Todays child labor condition has acquired a new feature. There is a global drive to eradicate child labor. The movement has its roots in the developed nations in the late 1970s. The UN supported the movement through adoption of its UN convention on the Rights of the Child. The program further gained momentum in the year 1992 through adoption of the IPEC.

Governments are adopting strict measure to curtail child labor because people believe that they are the generation of tomorrow. Therefore, their future must be safeguarded for a better future. There have been emphases on scholarship from donors, governments, and private persons on child labor studies. These studies are developing the significant insights that highlight the causes, effects and remedies for child labor.

We are certainly aware of the issues surrounding child labor. Employers who seek access to the global consumers are careful not to involve child labors in production of their products. The community is making progress in eradication of child labor. However, the achievements are uneven and vary from country to country particularly in countries experiencing political instability and extreme poverty.

Certainly, complete eradication of child labor may not be possible, and many children will continue to experience worst forms of child labor. However, we might be able to eradicate the worst forms of child labor after a life time.

Social

Social scientists support child works in the lives of children. However, they dwell on a balanced view whereby the work is not harmful and does not deter a child from accessing a good-quality education. They agree that children themselves tend to articulate these views well.

However, there is a challenge to universal worst forms of child labor. Children have tended to elaborate their views on child work. These views seem to reflect that the community should protect children from exploitations. At the same time, they have ideas of normal and appropriate childhood with the right to education, right to work and earn from their works. That is if they need extra income or if they want to make their own money (Corsaro, 2005).

These constitute part on normal childhood. The developed nations such as the US, the United Kingdom and Netherlands have adopted these views of child work. This view regards child labor as a problem and not childrens work but as an abuse of childrens capacity to work (Liebel, 2004).

Addressing the problem of child labor

Industrialized nations took steps of ending child labor in the 20th century. There are emerging cases of child labor in the third world nations. Governments and several NGOs have taken measures of curbing child labor. There is a growing trend whereby human rights bodies and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) have joined the fight against child labor.

The problem with the child labor is that it is so ingrained and extensive in the society to the extent that penetrating it becomes a challenge to the government as well as the NGOs. The nature of child labor in the society has forced governments, and NGOs to adopt different methods. For instance, the Rugmark strives to curtail child labor through certification that carpets are not productions of child labor.

The UNs ILO has been tirelessly and effectively working through its International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) in advocating the rights of children. These are just but a few examples of combating child labor. However, every government and other bodies, at least in every state, have at least some mechanisms in place to combat child labor.

Conclusion

Child labor is a concern of immense economic and social considerations throughout the developing nations. Though, observers have noticed a number of encouraging trends to curtail child labor in areas such as Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil and Turkey, the problem still persists in most countries. Several children work absolutely in unpleasant conditions and many more work out of necessities or circumstances. Child labor has robbed off these children their childhoods and their futures.

References

Corsaro, W. (2005). The Sociology of Childhood, 2nd Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

Hugh, H. (2009). The world of child labor : an historical and regional survey. New York: M.E. Sharpe, Inc.

Liebel, M. (2004). A Will of Their Own: Cross-cultural Perspectives on Working Children. London: Zed Books.

Wiener, G. (2009). Child Labor: Global Viewpoints. New York: Greenhaven Press.

Problem of Child Labor in Modern Society

Summary

Erick Edmonds looks at the current definitions of child labor with references to politicians and economists. Politicians refer to child labor as works that weaken the welfare of children. On the other hand, economists see child labor as economic activities where children participate. He also notes that child labor is a world phenomenon with the majority employers of these children being their parents.

Erick also looks at the reasons why children work. He observes impoverished situations in developing countries force children to engage in paying labor to supplement the meager family income. However, in some cases, child labor may not end even if the living standards improve because parents want to see their children earn. In developing countries, parents would want to see their children go to school. These studies across countries reveal that child labor develops out of poverty.

The author notes that globalization and child labor interact in two ways. Globalization is most likely to increase child labor in developing countries due to increase in demand for labor. On the other hand, improved household earnings can also reduce child labor if the main cause is poverty within the family.

Rich nations may also use their trade policies to curtail child labor by influencing the export of products from nations known to engage in child labor for productions. Erick demonstrates by study in Vietnam where increased earnings from rise led to reduction in child labor.

Ericks study shows that parents in developing nations use extra incomes to move their children out of the labor market. He further highlights that restricting exports from the developing nations to curtail child labor may not create the desired results. The best way to control child labor is through supplementing supports for household incomes, and probably to offer incentives for children to stay in school.

In short, the challenge for countries concerned about child labor is not to fight globalization and international trade, but rather to ensure that gains from the trade reach to the poor households. Evidences show that child labor can almost disappear if the living standards in poor households improve.

Worst forms of child labor

People concerned with the child labor have long recognized it as a general practice in developing nations. However, in the recent past, it has attracted the attention of economists. In this regard, the economists view of child labor is generally new. There are several abominable exploitations of children.

These are what constitute worst forms of child labor: child prostitution, bonded labor, child soldering or works with extremely hazardous, unhealthy or personally dehumanizing. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), these are the worst forms of child labor (Wiener, 2009).

Economists are disassociating themselves with the worst forms of child labor. They do not try to defend their existence or justify them. Conversely, they believe that the worst forms of child labor are on the decline. Currently, they have shifted their attentions to look at the child work around family farm, local farms, domestic works, in service industries or in an office environment. They argue that the term child labor is a catchall, which includes even the acceptable forms of child work.

Economic theory of child labor

Economists believe that most family would not like to see their children work. Conversely, most families who send their children to work do so because of pressing financial needs. They believe that it is the family responsible for the supply of child labor but not demand for it. This is because the prevailing adults wages are too low to support a household.

Therefore, families would prefer their children do not work, but the prevailing wage circumstances force them in labor to supplement the family income. In this context, if the parents earnings are adequate to support a household, then parents can afford to cater for their children school fees and keep them out of the labor market. This also implies that wages must remain high in order to restrict the supply of child labor because children are low earners (Hugh, 2009).

Historical

Historically, the developed nations once depended on child labor in conditions similar to these we observe in emerging nations. Historians point out that developed nations took time to resolve their child labor problem, but they are now impatiently pushing for immediate, and rapid solutions in developing countries.

Todays child labor condition has acquired a new feature. There is a global drive to eradicate child labor. The movement has its roots in the developed nations in the late 1970s. The UN supported the movement through adoption of its UN convention on the Rights of the Child. The program further gained momentum in the year 1992 through adoption of the IPEC.

Governments are adopting strict measure to curtail child labor because people believe that they are the generation of tomorrow. Therefore, their future must be safeguarded for a better future. There have been emphases on scholarship from donors, governments, and private persons on child labor studies. These studies are developing the significant insights that highlight the causes, effects and remedies for child labor.

We are certainly aware of the issues surrounding child labor. Employers who seek access to the global consumers are careful not to involve child labors in production of their products. The community is making progress in eradication of child labor. However, the achievements are uneven and vary from country to country particularly in countries experiencing political instability and extreme poverty.

Certainly, complete eradication of child labor may not be possible, and many children will continue to experience worst forms of child labor. However, we might be able to eradicate the worst forms of child labor after a life time.

Social

Social scientists support child works in the lives of children. However, they dwell on a balanced view whereby the work is not harmful and does not deter a child from accessing a good-quality education. They agree that children themselves tend to articulate these views well.

However, there is a challenge to universal worst forms of child labor. Children have tended to elaborate their views on child work. These views seem to reflect that the community should protect children from exploitations. At the same time, they have ideas of normal and appropriate childhood with the right to education, right to work and earn from their works. That is if they need extra income or if they want to make their own money (Corsaro, 2005).

These constitute part on normal childhood. The developed nations such as the US, the United Kingdom and Netherlands have adopted these views of child work. This view regards child labor as a problem and not childrens work but as an abuse of childrens capacity to work (Liebel, 2004).

Addressing the problem of child labor

Industrialized nations took steps of ending child labor in the 20th century. There are emerging cases of child labor in the third world nations. Governments and several NGOs have taken measures of curbing child labor. There is a growing trend whereby human rights bodies and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) have joined the fight against child labor.

The problem with the child labor is that it is so ingrained and extensive in the society to the extent that penetrating it becomes a challenge to the government as well as the NGOs. The nature of child labor in the society has forced governments, and NGOs to adopt different methods. For instance, the Rugmark strives to curtail child labor through certification that carpets are not productions of child labor.

The UNs ILO has been tirelessly and effectively working through its International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) in advocating the rights of children. These are just but a few examples of combating child labor. However, every government and other bodies, at least in every state, have at least some mechanisms in place to combat child labor.

Conclusion

Child labor is a concern of immense economic and social considerations throughout the developing nations. Though, observers have noticed a number of encouraging trends to curtail child labor in areas such as Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil and Turkey, the problem still persists in most countries. Several children work absolutely in unpleasant conditions and many more work out of necessities or circumstances. Child labor has robbed off these children their childhoods and their futures.

References

Corsaro, W. (2005). The Sociology of Childhood, 2nd Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

Hugh, H. (2009). The world of child labor : an historical and regional survey. New York: M.E. Sharpe, Inc.

Liebel, M. (2004). A Will of Their Own: Cross-cultural Perspectives on Working Children. London: Zed Books.

Wiener, G. (2009). Child Labor: Global Viewpoints. New York: Greenhaven Press.

Child Labour in India and Intervention Measures

Introduction

There are millions of children currently involved in subsistence-level kinds of labour with little economic output within various countries of the world such as India. The case study focuses on child labour within textile and other related industries in India. Further interventions are required to ensure implementation of sustainable solution capable of keeping children out of such exploitive working conditions. Such conditions expose children to health and safety threats especially those between ages 5 to 14 years. However, it is necessary to understand various factors leading children indulging in such activities. This is necessary for the purposes of ensuring that families within India have meaningful and sustainable alternatives capable of preventing these children from returning to such exploitive labour situations (Bhalotra and Zafiris, 2003).

Intervention Measures

Pre-empting and ultimately curbing Child labour and other social injustices meted on vulnerable and less fortunate Gender in the Indian society calls for a concerted, multi-pronged strategy by the union government, civil society organizations, Bollywood celebrities, cricket stars and the vibrant and growing corporate players. Given the stratified nature of the Indian society, characterized by caste system, investigating extent to which the menace has pervaded the Indian society; designing ,monitoring and evaluating the already in place strategies is a complicated affair. This calls for dovetailed approach by the aforementioned stakeholders, in order to achieve expected effectiveness (Bhalotra and Zafiris, 2003).

The Union government of India need to earnestly take the initiative of conducting civic education, particularly for the Indian scheduled castes and Tribes as these categories provide wellspring for the vulnerable and susceptible Gender. This pool provides cheap labour that the unscrupulously empowered business and corporate leaders take advantage of by way of undue influence, coercion, disinformation or misrepresentation of facts. This is done for the purposes of attaining commercial goals. The existence of such social evil within subcontinent is certainly a disgraceful phenomenon, but unfortunately the government remains indifferent, and sometime show laxity in its endeavour to design an effective strategy providing lasting solution thereof. The existence of institution of modern slavery in India is merely the sign and symptom of the real malady-Ignorance (Betcherman et al., 2004).

The first approach to controlling child labour in India is for the Government to demonstrate that its working on making use of focus groups and other government sponsored and supported institutions. Use of schools to assist in capacity building and empowerment of vulnerable groups. This ensures that the less fortunate are aware of their rights as enshrined within constitution, thereby enabling them to resist attempts by the unscrupulous business people in taking undue advantage of their ignorance. It is essential to point out how sensitive and touchy some of the citizens of India are to the issue of caste. But this can be traced to profound ignorance that engulfs the social issue in question; stemming from inadequate or misleading information that cloud it. It is therefore fit for the government to take a leading role to sensitize her citizenry about the limiting effects of such social order, as any of individuals or lobbyists efforts would be countered by the fierce anger of the conservatives and the Indian societies orthodox. Most of these custodians of caste system incidentally are the ones who support and perpetrate such social evil, owing to their enormous socio-economic power brought about by the status quo. Given their status no voice of reason would dare control them; but the union in collaboration with the state governments could crack their whip to their submission (International Labour Organization, 2003).

These governments can easily collaborate with civil society organization to harness their expertise and resource to aid in designing and implementing a model of affirmative action capable of bolstering already existing but far less effective system. Liberalization of Indian economy brought about significant opportunity for entrepreneurs in India to form networks with foreign investors to exploit the comparative advantage-cheap labour- readily available in the country. It is no doubt that this move has worked to bring good income and helped improve the welfare but the governments need to provide a structured and streamlined institutions that ensure the vulnerable are protected from abuse by the wealthy.

There is a serious need to regulate the financial and commodities sector by bringing them to the mainstream. This will make it easy for the government to streamline the operations in the bullish sector.It would be relatively easy for the government to put in place stringent regulations that govern recruitment and employment of people in these lucrative business. The governments should also, in addition to all these efforts put in place legislations that provide checks and balances to the way businesses incentivize the workforce. Any Business that attempt to entice parents by any means to offer a minor to go work for them should have its license or mandate revoked ,and to face legal charges

Organized banking sector plays a vital role in financing businesses in India. A larger percentage of banking sector is under the control of the Union and the state governments through the Reserve Bank of India. By taking a leaf from the way Rural Regional Banks and Lead Bank schemes have effectively worked to advance the economic empowerment of the rural folks, governments can use the same strategy to guide the wind of social change. First and foremost, the governments can put in place conditions under which the State bank and its subsidiaries issue loans and advances to the business community. The Banks in turn need to enforce these conditions and requirements by putting thrust on social responsibility criteria before sanctioning funds. Social responsibility entails making certain that businesses work in pursuit of their economic goals, but put into consideration the positive endeavours to mitigate social vices such as Child labour. Once the state and nationalized Banks take the initiative the other banks in the private sector would follow the suit (Bhalotra and Zafiris, 2003). In order for this strategy to work effectively, it is important that these stakeholders use a bit of incentives to reward the investors who help towards this cause. To supplement these efforts, there is the need to use moral suasion to exhort the business community to be considerate and mindful of the society they intend to bequeath to the future generation.

There is need for provision of education initiative grants capable of promoting education as one of the major intervention measures, capable of combating child labour. As revealed from the case study, India seem to be one of the most populated countries of the world hence difficulties in providing basic education to all children. The quality and relevance of education should be promoted amongst children since there are possibilities of resource constraint and education inaccessibility in many regions. Education initiative grants support improvements in educational programs, access, teacher training and provision of training materials (International Labour Organization, 2003).

Besides education, there is need for rehabilitative services to cater for childrens social and mental health accompanying their removal from oppressive labour situations. Such services can be provided through family visits as well as establishment of residential centres. The common cause of child labour as revealed from the case can be attributed to need for additional family income. This means that families should be provided with other financial alternatives capable of meeting their sustainable needs. Such alternative income generation activities include training skills for family members as well as micro-finance opportunities. Additionally, there is need of changing hazardous production methods within textile industry where employees are provided with sewing tasks or other project tasks within poor communities. Hazardous conditions would involve use of chemicals and explosive substances of which are dangerous to children (International Labour Organization, 2003).

Besides loans and advances to the Business community, the Bankers need to support efforts by the parents to send their children to school by providing a wide range of educational loans-along the line of differential and zero interest rates schemes, to the scheduled castes and tribes. This will go a long way in ensuring that the parents appreciate the importance of education as a way of aiding growth and welfare improvement. Foreign investors, like GAP should be asked to do a background check on the local business they outsource work to; through the governments department of labour, Registrar of companies and such other charters that regulate business operations in India. Businesses whose operations do not conform to the legislations that protect and support child and the less fortunate wellbeing are left out of the business loop (International Labour Organization, 2003).

India is a cricket crazy nation hence the sport can effectively be used to sensitize the citizenry on the harmful impact that the child labour has on the socio-economic wellbeing. This strategy has been used, with positive and encouraging effects in curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in the nation. Talks bordering on sex-in the public domain-was once considered a taboo in India, but once the government engaged cricket celebrities in endorsing condoms; and persuading people to abstain, the response was very encouraging. The same concerted efforts can be replicated in an attempt to curb child labour in India. The cricket players are engaged in the media commercials to endorse products, the same can be employed to spread awareness among the public. Players of the calibre of Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dhoni command iconic tag and charismatic following that can be leveraged to help towards convincing the public to affect paradigm shift in attitude.

Conclusion

Indians love and cherish their movie stars to the extent that almost all their movies released have never registered any flop. The same attitude can be harnessed to spread message about the dangers of child labour. The Government needs to incentivize these stakeholders and, streamline the labour market- placing stringent rules and regulations, and enforcing the same. There is also the need to double the efforts to increase the Grants to educational institutions to ease the school fees burden to both parents and school administrators. Education will help enlighten people about their Rights and entitlements

References

Betcherman, G., Jean, F., Amy L., & Prouty, R. (2004). Child Labour, Education, and Childrens Rights. Washington, DC: Social Protection Unit, Human Development Network, World Bank

Bhalotra, R., & Zafiris, T. (2003). Child Labour: What Have We Learnt? Washington, DC: Social Protection Unit World Bank,

International Labour Organization. (2003). International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour. Wounded Childhood, Switzerland, Geneva: International Labour Organization

The History Of Child Labour

Although working conditions for children have significantly improved over the years, the inequality between rich and poor education continues to result in the exploitation of children in the labour industry.

1.2 What is child labour?

Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through work and employment that deprives them of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. (Worldvision.com.au, 2019) Child labourers often work unreasonable hours in dangerous conditions where they are vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment. Moreover, since their bodies and minds are still growing, children are more vulnerable to occupational hazards than adults, and the effects are often more severe and permanent. While child labour is far more prevalent in developing nations, children all over the world are exploited in the labour market and have been throughout history. This article will explore the history of child labour throughout the Middle Ages, the Industrial Ages and the Modern Age.

2.0 Child labour in the Middle Ages

2.1 Background information – the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages was the medieval period of European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. While children in the Middle Ages spent many hours in manual labour, they did so in a family environment. “Children were an integral part of a peasant family’s income as productive workers contributing to the farming production” (ThoughtCo, 2019). However, the importance of assisting around the house often meant very few children received a formal education. Teenagers in peasant families were more likely to work instead of attending school. Working conditions for children during the Middle Ages were particularly safe, as most children performed simple chores within their families.

2.2 Working conditions

During the Middle Ages, children from as young as age 5 or 6 were expected to work and provide valuable assistance around the household. Younger children often performed simple chores including fetching water, herding geese, sheep or goats, gathering fruit, nuts, or firewood, walking and feeding horses, and fishing. Older children were required to watch over their younger siblings (ThoughtCo, 2019). As children grew into their teenage years their workload increased with more difficult and demanding tasks. As well as performing simple chores around the house, it was not uncommon to find teenagers working as servants in other households.

3.0 Child labour in the Industrial Ages

3.1 Background information – the Industrial Ages

The Industrial Age, also known as the Industrial Revolution was an era defined by the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States. The Revolution began in 1760 and continued for 60 to 80 years. During this time, many people moved to the cities from rural areas, which dramatically accelerated the process of industrialization. As a result of the rapid urbanization, overpopulated cities faced significant challenges including high levels of pollution, inadequate sanitation and lack of clean drinking water. (History.com, 2019)

3.2 Working conditions

Industrialisation corresponded to a period of high activity demanding an increased workforce. This resulted in industrialists recruiting labour massively in factories and mines, including younger workers.

In this way, the development of large-scale manufacturing led to the exploitation of children in the labour industry. Children as young as four years old were exploited for their age, size and gender and forced to work under extremely dangerous conditions. They worked in coal mines pushing wagons in the tunnels, cleaned under factory machinery (in some cases while the machines were still running), worked as chimney sweeps and in weaving workshops. A typical work day for children during the Industrial Revolution was 10-14 hours, with little or no break. Working conditions in factories and mines were high risk and accident rates were alarmingly high. These conditions led to serious health consequences – mental and physical, including stunted growth, difficulty breathing, tired eyes and wheezing as well as severe trauma and further mental health problems as children became adults. (France, 2019) The movement to regulate child labour began with the establishment of the ‘Cotton Factories Regulation Act’ in 1819 after the exploitation of children in the workplace had became a prevalent issue. However, since there were no effective means of enforcing this act, these laws were rarely implemented. In 1833 parliament intervened, releasing the “regulation of child labour law.” This act contained a comprehensive set of rules that were successfully enforced. According to this act, children below the age of nine could not be employed in textile manufacturing factories. Children between the ages of nine and thirteen could not work more than eight hours in a day and would receive a one hour lunch break. (Foundations.uwgb.org, 2019) Fortunately, working conditions for children continued to improve over the years.

4.0 Child labour in the Modern Age

4.1 Background information – the Modern Age

The Modern Age is an era characterised by technological development and economic advancement. However, child labour remains an issue, most commonly in developing nations. It is estimated that there are currently 40 million people trapped in modern slavery, 10 million of whom are children. Furthermore, an estimated 73 million children aged 5-17 are currently employed under hazardous conditions in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, hotels, bars, restaurants, markets and domestic services. These conditions are found in both developing and industrialised countries.

4.2 Working conditions

Companies in the fast fashion industry continue pushing for ever-cheaper labour, resulting in the employment of young children. Child labour is a prevailing issue in the fashion industry because the supply chain is hugely complex making it near impossible for companies to control every stage of production. “Children work at all stages of the supply chain in the fashion industry: from the production of cotton seeds in Benin, harvesting in Uzbekistan, yarn spinning in India, right through to the different phases of putting garments together in factories across Bangladesh” (Labs.theguardian.com, 2019). In the fashion market, children are subject to long working hours, exposure to pesticides and are often paid below the minimum wage. Some children work from 6am to 7pm for less than 20 cents. Unfortunately, children in the fast fashion industry are viewed as compliant employees who slip under the radar, making them easy to exploit.

5.0 Conclusion

While working conditions for children have improved significantly over the years, the exploitation of children in the labour industry continues to occur. During the Middle Ages, children mostly worked for their families, performing simple chores around the house and in the fields. When the Industrial Revolution began, children were forced into dangerous working conditions, most commonly in factories and mines. Although conditions improved significantly over the years, many children around the world are still exploited in modern day slavery, especially in the fashion industry.

Child Labour In The Fashion Industry

Several years ago, I purchased this hoodie. At the time it was very fashionable, but now is mainly regarded as the equivalent of old garbage. The fashion industry is continuously developing and swiftly. Companies are required to keep up with the developing trends to make the most profit and to satisfy the most customers- but how far will they go exactly? Too far. Every time you buy another shirt, or another dress, you can unknowingly be supporting child labour. We, as the consumers, necessitate to have knowledge and awareness of companies that exploit children, so we can cease supporting them. After all, the notion that the lives of these children working in the sweatshops matter less than others is simply incorrect and unfair. We are the only people with the power to make change. Not the companies. Not the children. You.

What exactly is child labour? According to the International Labour Organisation, child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their schooling, and is mentally, physically, socially or morally harmful. Currently, 152 million children are working as child labourers. Trafficking drugs, toiling in sweatshops and mines are typical examples of what the children are forced to do. Although global legislation prohibits it, child labour is still remarkably prevalent in developing countries. It is a commonplace because inspections are ordinarily, not meticulous, and regulations are not stringent compared to advanced countries. The foremost cause of child labour is poverty. For impoverished households, the income retained from a child’s efforts is usually indispensable in the survival of either themselves or the entire family. If a subcontractor approaches a community living in poverty with an opportunity for an income, most families will lunge at it, even at the expense of their child’s youth. Another motive why children work is for debt bondage. Debt bondage is a method of payment where people use labour to pay off loans that can’t be compensated through money and goods. For instance, a family would hand over their child to someone to pay off their debts, and the child will work for the required number of years before it is paid off. Subcontractors believe that the lives of these children don’t matter due to their monetary status or living situations. They use this as a valid excuse to take advantage of them. Sub-contractors would never go to a house in Mosman Park or Cottesloe, and demand the children to be taken away and put to work.

What do these companies do to the children exactly? They deprive them of an education. When children work, tuition is not provided. A chance to learn. An opportunity to find their true passions. In fact, the only thing they’ll probably ever know is how to use a sewing machine, or what the difference is between a back and cross-stitch. The lack of education doesn’t let them do or achieve anything they want to in life, closing off all opportunities. Take, for example, Amitosh. Amitosh is a ten-year-old working in a GAP sweatshop in New Delhi. Amitosh was sold into bonded labour by his family in the summer of 2007. Chances are he’s still working in that sweatshop. Amitosh spends 16 hours a day hand-sewing garments. He only has four possessions: a tattered comic, a penknife, a plastic comb and a torn blanket with an elephant motif. My question is, do you believe that Amitosh’s life matters less, and that he shouldn’t get an education, and that he deserves to be in that situation?

Child labour is an immense problem that affects hundreds of millions of children around the globe. Is there a resolution? Is there an answer to this issue that has gone on for decades, even centuries? Yes. Some companies don’t exploit children. However, I understand that it can be strenuous to find the difference between companies that cover up well, or companies that mean well, so a simple option is to buy locally. Now, I don’t mean heading down to Fremantle and buying a bright yellow shirt that says ‘I Love Australia’ with koalas printed on the back, but buying from Australian-based companies that give you exceptional quality without exploiting children. Buying locally also helps boost the local economy! An example is Bec + Bridge, Bonds, Lorna Jane, General Pants, and I.AM.GIA. Believe me; I know that making sure every single piece of clothing you own is free of child labour, eco-friendly, fair trade and cute is hard! Nevertheless, being aware of the production process for different companies and making at least one right choice might make all the difference for kids like Amitosh.

Child labour is a problem that has been talked about lots over the last decades, but no one ever chooses to really ‘hear it’. Consumers need to have more recognition and understanding about companies who exploit children, so we can quit promoting them. We are the only ones with the power to do so. These companies deny kids of an education, prohibiting them from chasing their dreams, or uncovering their passions. A great way to dodge companies that use child labour is to buy locally. Buying locally gives you the warranty that the product you are getting is made with high standards, supports the local economy, and are manufactured under fair working conditions. Something that most people forget is that these children have lives, ambitions, families, hopes, and dreams. The root of everything wicked in the world is the notion that the lives of these children matter less.

Essay on How to Stop Child Labour

Did you know that 152 million children are victims of child labor and over 70 million of them are working in dangerous and hazardous conditions? Child labor may not be something you have witnessed as it is most common in poorer countries like Pakistan, Burma, and Bangladesh. 88 million boys and 64 million girls are put through child labor work. Though it seems that boys have more work, girls are most likely to have more work as they are put to work in private households and are responsible for household chores and Housework. Children who are victims of child labor only make 10-20% of what an adult would make at the same job. I strongly feel that child labor has many more negatives than positives.

Though children work, they don’t earn much money and in addition, have to work in dangerous conditions. Child labor is a major problem that takes away education opportunities for kids and puts them at risk because of hazardous work areas and it must be stopped immediately. Today, I’ll be talking to you about child labor and why it must be stopped.

Continuing with how child labor takes away education opportunities, there is a strong negative impact on school attendance resulting because of child labor. The school attendance rate of a working kid is almost half the school attendance rate of non-working kids, this is, of course, caused because kids can’t always come to school since they have to work throughout the day. Child labor victims that manage to balance school and work don’t end up doing well in school or getting the proper education that is needed for themselves since half of their focus is on their work/jobs. Kids at young ages need their entire focus to be on school because it will help them in later years of education, if they don’t end up getting the proper education they need they won’t have many opportunities left for them for their future. They will also not be able to get proper jobs and will probably end up in poverty. I realize that most of us do not like coming to school every day since we get stressed out from all the work and find it boring, but I don’t think any of us here would want to end up without any opportunities for our future and have to live in poverty. The lack of education opportunities for children who are victims of child labor is a very big problem but another problem is that these kids have to work in dangerous/hazardous conditions that risk their health.

As I have mentioned that there are more negatives than positives of child labor another negativity adding to the lack of education is that kids are required to work in bad working conditions. According to ilo.org, kids are put at risk of being injured and in the worst case being killed because of working conditions. Health issues can also occur during the adulthood of kids who were victims of child labor during their childhood years, and according to humanium.org, it is also possible for children who are victims of child labor to become victims of human trafficking as well. though it seems that this is not a big deal and that injuries and death can happen anytime and anywhere to anyone at all, imagine being at the risk of being injured and at worse being killed and having no protection over yourself whatsoever. No one will be held accountable for your protection and no one will be held accountable for your injuries or death. So let me ask you is it right to support child labor? Shouldn’t we help to stop it?

Though it seems obvious enough to be anti-child labor trust me there are child labour supporters, for example, Alex Tokarev is a teacher at Northwood University and mentions on the website world.Wng.org “ most parents in central America South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa is as poor as Americans were during the Civil War and most of them make the same hard choice, find jobs for their children or starve the family, do you love the children more than their parents love them?” as you can see Alex is trying to persuade people into thinking that child labor is good for families who are in poverty and can get money and food for those who are less fortunate. Though he and many others may think that, are correct to an extent because they will be earning a little bit more money, victims of child labor do not earn much money as they only make 10-20% of what an adult would make at the same job, according to ilo.org they only make about $1.25 a month which is much lower than the national minimum wage which is about $7.70 and are put at risk of injuries and even death due to working conditions, and lose their education opportunities. Instead, these children should be allowed to get their full education so they can grow up and get safe and proper jobs and not only get an education but get opportunities for their future. They will also be able to work in a safe environment and take their families out of poverty. In conclusion, there is absolutely no valid reason that child labor should be supported whatsoever. Child labor causes a lack of education, health risks, death risks, risks of human trafficking, and poverty (since kids won’t grow up with an education to get a proper job) I chose to write about child labor as many people are unaware of the risks and dangers children are actually put through we are not aware of this because we are lucky enough to be living in a first world country where there are laws against child labor but are we really any better than the kids in Bangladesh? why should we be treated better than them these children as I have mentioned are losing chances and opportunities for their future as they can’t get the proper education they are at risk of human trafficking, health issues, and even death no one should be put through this so together we must spread awareness of this child labor and why it is wrong and must be stopped. Hopefully, in the future laws are different and these kids can finally enjoy their childhood like you and me.

Bibliography:

  1. “Children’s Rights.” Humanium, www.humanium.org/en/childrens-rights/.
  2. Clc. “CLC Member.” Stopchildlabor, CLC Member Http://Stopchildlabor.wpengine.com/Wp-Content/Uploads/2014/12/Logo-Enfold.png, 17 Dec. 2019, stopchildlabor.org/.
  3. “Global Partnership for Education.” Global Partnership for Education, globalpartnership.org/.
  4. “Providing Clarity to the News That Matters Most.” WORLD, world.Wng.org/.
  5. “Children’s Rights.” Humanium, www.humanium.org/en/childrens-rights/.

Child Labor Essay

Introduction

As we embark on this academic exploration, it is crucial to establish the context and scope of our discussion. This essay will delve into the multifaceted and complex issue of child labor in the United States. While often associated with developing nations, the realities of child slavery are surprisingly closer to home than many might anticipate.

The term “child labor” refers to the exploitation of children through any type of job that robs them of their childhood, prevents them from attending regular school, and is physically, intellectually, socially, or morally detrimental. Although the United States has put severe rules and regulations in place to prevent adolescent exploitation, this problem is nevertheless widespread in some locations.

In the journey of this essay, we will examine the history, current state, contributing factors, impacts, and potential solutions to child labor in the U.S. Along the way, we will uncover uncomfortable truths and challenging realities.

By analyzing this topic, we aim to shed light on this clandestine issue, revealing the hidden aspects of our society and raising awareness of the subject. We hope this discourse will inspire action and contribute to eradicating underage labor, ensuring that every child enjoys the right to a carefree and nurturing childhood.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 1 (100 Words)

Child labor is an often overlooked issue that haunts the United States’ social fabric. It’s a form of exploitation where children are compelled to work under harsh, dangerous conditions, robbing them of their innocence and opportunities for education. Instead of learning and playing, these young souls are pushed into laborious tasks, infringing on their basic rights. While laws exist to prevent such practices, some industries manage to bypass them due to economic motivations or regulatory loopholes. This essay on child labor is a call to action, urging us to acknowledge the issue’s gravity, understand its root causes, and actively participate in its eradication.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 2 (250 Words)

Causes Of Child Labor

Child labor, an unfortunate reality for many children in the United States, is a multifaceted issue influenced by many factors. Key causes of juvenile exploitation often stem from economic circumstances, societal pressures, and gaps in the legal and regulatory framework.

Poverty is a predominant catalyst, forcing families to send their children to work to survive. It’s a vicious cycle where the immediate financial gain from child labor trumps the long-term benefits of education.

Moreover, cultural and societal norms sometimes condone underage drudgery. Some communities, particularly in agricultural or family-run businesses, consider it a part of a child’s upbringing, blurring the lines between teaching life skills and exploitation.

Finally, despite stringent labor laws, some industries exploit legal loopholes. For example, exemptions exist for family farms and certain age groups in agriculture, a sector with a high prevalence of juvenile exploitation.

Measures To Stop Child Labor

Tackling child labor necessitates holistic measures that address its root causes. Improving access to quality education, particularly in underprivileged areas, can divert children from the labor market. Implementing stricter enforcement of labor laws and closing regulatory loopholes would make it harder for industries to exploit child labor.

Moreover, societal awareness plays a crucial role. Public education campaigns about the detriments of child exploitation can shift cultural perceptions and norms. Finally, providing financial support to impoverished families could decrease the economic necessity for child labor.

Through these measures, it is possible to safeguard the rights and futures of children across the United States.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 3 (300 Words)

Introduction

Child labor in the United States, an alarming reality, pervades various industries, hidden beneath societal ignorance. This concise overview aims to illuminate the sectors most prone to employing child labor, forming the basis for increased awareness and action toward mitigating this deeply rooted societal issue.

Industries Employing Child Labor

A critical aspect of understanding the child labor problem is identifying the industries most guilty of this practice. Despite comprehensive laws and regulations, some sectors continue to exploit children for labor.

Agriculture is a significant industry where child labor is prevalent. Federal labor laws allow exceptions for children working on family farms, and these children often perform dangerous tasks involving machinery, chemicals, and long, strenuous hours.

The entertainment industry, including television, movies, and advertising, also employs underage children. While regulations exist, the allure of fame and fortune can sometimes overshadow children’s rights and welfare, leading to exploitation.

Furthermore, child labor exists in informal sectors like domestic work and family businesses. Here, the law’s reach is often limited, and societal norms accept children’s work as part of familial duties or training.

Street work, including selling goods and begging, also constitutes child exploitation. Children in these situations are often victims of poverty, homelessness, or trafficking and are at high risk of physical and psychological harm.

Conclusion

The battle against child labor in the U.S. is multifaceted, involving societal, economic, and legal aspects. However, a crucial first step in this fight is awareness. By identifying and acknowledging the industries employing juvenile exploitation, we shine a spotlight on this clandestine issue, laying the foundation for change.

Confronting these realities is uncomfortable but necessary. With this awareness, we can push for stricter regulations, better enforcement, improved access to education, and societal change, inching closer to the eradication of child labor in the United States.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 4 (400 Words)

Reason for Child Labor

Child labor, an illicit practice plaguing the United States, arises from complex factors. Poverty and economic disparity play an essential role, often pushing children into the workforce to support their families. The short-term economic benefits perceived by these families often overshadow the long-term advantages of education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Regulatory loopholes are another reason for child labor. Despite stringent labor laws, exceptions exist that certain industries exploit. For example, agricultural laws allow children to work on family farms without the usual labor protections, which opens avenues for exploitation.

Inadequate access to quality education is a critical driver of child exploitation. When families perceive education as either inaccessible or of poor quality, the opportunity cost of sending their children to work instead of school becomes less significant.

Sociocultural factors also contribute to child labor. Some families believe that work instills a sense of responsibility and life skills in their children, which can blur the line between education and exploitation. These beliefs are often deeply rooted in cultural traditions, making them challenging to change.

Types of Child Labor

Child labor manifests in various forms across the United States, ranging from formal employment to informal, often hidden, sectors.

Formal employment can include children working in agriculture, the entertainment industry, or industrial sectors. These are jobs that would typically be filled by adults but are instead occupied by children, often under exploitative conditions.

Informal employment covers unregulated sectors such as domestic work, family businesses, and street work. Children in these sectors are less visible and often work under hazardous conditions without protection.

The worst forms of child labor include forced labor, child trafficking, and illicit activities. These are not only a violation of labor laws but also of human rights. Children trapped in these situations face extreme physical and psychological trauma.

Conclusion

Addressing child labor requires an understanding of its roots and manifestations. We can design impactful interventions by comprehending the underlying causes and recognizing their various forms. This involves strengthening our legal frameworks and closing regulatory loopholes, enhancing access to quality education, and promoting societal change. The battle against juvenile exploitation goes beyond economic implications; it’s about preserving the sanctity of childhood and securing a brighter future for our children. By joining hands in this struggle, we can ensure a world where every child enjoys the freedom of a nurturing and joyful childhood.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 5 (450 Words)

Introduction

Child labor, a pressing issue shrouded in a veil of silence and ignorance, permeates societies worldwide, including the United States. This essay provides a historical overview of juvenile exploitation and offers a global perspective on its prevalence, aiming to broaden our understanding and provoke action against this practice.

History of Child Labor

Child labor has a long and unfortunate history, rooted in the early stages of industrialization. During the Industrial Revolution, factories widely employed children due to their cheaper labor costs and smaller size, which was advantageous for operating machinery. This period saw children as young as five working in hazardous conditions, often for extended hours.

In the United States, the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a high prevalence of child exploitation, particularly in industries like coal mining, textiles, and agriculture. Public sentiment began to shift against child labor only in the early 20th century, leading to the first federal child labor laws. However, it wasn’t until the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that the United States established comprehensive restrictions on child labor.

World Statistics on Child Labor

Despite significant strides in combating child labor, it remains a global issue. According to the International Labor Organization, in 2020, nearly 152 million children worldwide were engaged in child labor, with about half involved in hazardous work.

While child labor is most prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, it’s also a significant issue in Asia and the Pacific region. These regions account for approximately 72.1 million and 62.1 million child laborers.

Contrary to popular belief, child labor is not restricted to developing nations. Even high-income countries, including the United States, continue to grapple with the issue. The U.S. Department of Labor reported in 2018 that goods produced using child labor were imported from 77 countries into the U.S., reflecting the global interconnectedness of this issue.

Conclusion

The history of child labor and its current global statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. While we have come a long way from the rampant child exploitation of the Industrial Revolution, the fight against child labor is far from over.

Confronting child exploitation necessitates a multidimensional approach that includes enacting and enforcing robust laws, improving access to quality education, and addressing economic disparities. Moreover, we need to tackle juvenile exploitation on a global scale, acknowledging its presence not just in low-income countries but also within developed economies.

The path to eradicating child labor is long and challenging, but it’s a journey we must undertake for the sake of our children, our society, and our future. It’s time we ensure every child’s right to a safe, carefree childhood and a future brimming with opportunities.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 6 (750 Words)

Child labor, a prevalent yet largely overlooked issue, is a blight on societies across the globe, including the United States. It infringes upon children’s rights, denying them the simple joys of childhood and the opportunity to realise their potential fully. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the various causes of child labor and propose potential solutions to increase awareness and provoke thoughtful action. Only through an informed and concerted effort can we hope to tackle this deep-rooted problem and advocate for a world where every child is free to grow, learn, and dream.

Different Causes of Child Labor

Child labor, a severe social issue that breaches the innocence of childhood, is driven by numerous factors. Understanding these causative elements is critical in formulating strategies to combat this pervasive problem.

  • Poverty and Economic Inequality: Poverty is arguably the most significant factor driving child labor. Many families, especially in low-income areas, cannot afford basic necessities, leading them to send their children to work. Economic disparities exacerbate this situation, with the underprivileged disproportionately affected by child labor.
  • Insufficient Access to Quality Education: A lack of accessible, quality education prompts many families to perceive work as a more beneficial option for their children. Schools in economically disadvantaged areas often lack resources, and families may find it difficult to afford associated costs like uniforms and books.
  • Cultural Norms and Societal Beliefs: In some communities, juvenile exploitation is perceived as a means to instill a work ethic in children. Especially in family-run businesses and farms, the boundaries between imparting life skills and exploitation can become blurred.
  • Regulatory Loopholes and Weak Enforcement: Despite stringent laws against child labor, exceptions and enforcement gaps persist. Certain industries, like agriculture, exploit these legal loopholes, enabling child exploitation to thrive.
  • Globalization and Market Forces: Globalization can sometimes inadvertently promote child labor. Thus, brands seeking to minimize production costs may outsource to countries with lax labor laws or weak enforcement, indirectly encouraging child labor.

Probable Solutions to the Child Labor

Mitigating child labor demands a multifaceted approach, addressing not just its symptoms but also its underlying causes.

  • Economic Empowerment: Addressing poverty and economic disparity is pivotal in eliminating child labor. This could involve implementing social protection measures, promoting fair wages, and providing financial support to families in need.
  • Improving Access to Quality Education: Ensuring children have access to free, quality education can significantly reduce child labor. This entails investing in school infrastructure, training teachers, and providing educational resources, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
  • Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: Closing legal loopholes and enhancing the enforcement of existing laws can help curb juvenile exploitation. Authorities must ensure industries cannot evade labor laws, and penalties for violations should be severe enough to act as a deterrent.
  • Raising Awareness and Changing Perceptions: Campaigns to educate the public about the detrimental impacts of child labor can help shift societal attitudes and norms. Businesses and consumers alike should be encouraged to make ethical choices that do not support child labor.
  • Promoting Fair Trade and Responsible Business Practices: Companies must commit to responsible business practices, ensuring their supply chains are free from child labor. Consumers can support this by opting for fair-trade and ethically produced goods.
  • Implementing and Enhancing Youth Employment Programs: Developing programs that provide decent work opportunities to youth can be a viable alternative to child exploitation. These initiatives should focus on skill development, ensuring that when children reach the legal working age, they are equipped to enter the labor market safely and productively.
  • Promoting Community Empowerment and Participation: Communities play a significant role in combating juvenile exploitation. By empowering community members through education and providing them with resources to identify and report instances of child labor, we can foster an environment that actively resists this practice.
  • Global Collaboration: Child labor is a global issue, so it necessitates a global response. Countries must collaborate, sharing best practices, resources, and knowledge to combat this menace.

Addressing the pervasive issue of child labor necessitates a holistic, multi-faceted approach that targets its root causes while advocating for the rights of children. Our commitment must remain unyielding, from economic empowerment and quality education to stricter legal enforcement and global collaboration. Changing the narrative on child labor isn’t merely about reforming policies or improving living conditions; it’s about reshaping the future, ensuring every child can embrace their childhood and unlock their potential. The road towards eradicating child labor is challenging, but by persisting in our efforts, we can construct a world where the innocence of childhood is valued and protected.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 7 (800 Words)

Meaning of Child Labor

An international problem known as child labor refers to the exploitation of children through any type of job that robs them of their youth, prevents them from attending regular school, and is bad for their mental, physical, social, or moral development. Moreover, it encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from forced labor in dangerous conditions to domestic work restricting a child’s education access.

The defining characteristics of child exploitation lie in its harmful consequences. It robs children of their essential right to a safe, nurturing childhood, replacing the innocence of their formative years with burdens that are far too heavy for their tender shoulders. Instead of learning, playing, and growing, child laborers are thrust into a world of work, often under hazardous and exploitative conditions.

This exploitation is not limited to the physical aspect alone but extends to the mental and emotional realms as well. Child labor can lead to severe trauma, lifelong health problems, and psychological distress. Furthermore, it stifles a child’s potential, creating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.

In essence, child labor is a grave violation of children’s rights. It is a complex issue deeply rooted in economic, societal, and cultural factors, requiring a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to its eradication.

Causes of Child Labor

The causes of child labor are multifaceted and deeply entrenched in societal structures.

  • Poverty: One of the primary drivers of child labor is poverty. Families struggling to meet basic needs may feel compelled to send their children to work, adding to the family income and ensuring survival.
  • Lack of Quality Education: A lack of access to quality education is a significant contributor to child labor. Schools in impoverished areas may lack resources, leading parents to view labor as a more beneficial alternative for their children.
  • Cultural Norms and Societal Beliefs: In some societies, cultural norms and traditional beliefs perceive child labor as a means of imparting life skills and work ethics.
  • Regulatory Loopholes: Despite regulations against child exploitation, certain industries exploit legal loopholes. These exceptions in the law, particularly in the agricultural sector, permit the employment of children under specific circumstances.

Child Labor Laws

The U.S. has robust laws against child labor, grounded in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which established minimum ages for employment and restricted the types of work children could perform. For non-agricultural jobs, the FLSA sets the minimum working age at 14 for certain types of work and 16 for unrestricted labor. In the agricultural sector, children as young as 12 can work on a farm with parental consent.

Still, despite these laws, exceptions and enforcement gaps persist, creating avenues for juvenile exploitation to thrive. Moreover, international child labor laws vary, allowing companies to exploit weak labor laws in certain countries.

Solutions to Child Labor

Combating child labor necessitates tackling its root causes and advocating for children’s rights.

  • Alleviating Poverty: Addressing poverty is central to eradicating child labor. This could involve social protection measures, fair wage policies, and financial support for impoverished families.
  • Promoting Quality Education: Ensuring children have access to free education can significantly curb child exploitation. Investing in schools, training teachers, and subsidizing educational resources are key steps toward this goal.
  • Enforcing Child Labor Laws: Strengthening the enforcement of child labor laws and closing regulatory loopholes can help mitigate child servitude. Authorities must ensure industries comply with labor laws, imposing severe penalties for violations.
  • Raising Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help shift societal attitudes toward child slavery. By illuminating the harmful impacts of child labor, societies can be mobilized to take a stand against it.
  • Implementing Responsible Business Practices: Companies must commit to responsible business practices that do not support child labor. This involves ensuring their supply chains are free from juvenile exploitation and advocating for workers’ rights.
  • Strengthening Social Services: Social services can alleviate pressures that drive families to resort to child labor, providing resources like health care, housing support, and food security.
  • Promoting Youth Employment Programs: Decent work opportunities for youth can provide an alternative to child servitude. These programs should focus on skill development, equipping children to enter the labor market safely when they reach the legal working age.
  • Encouraging Community Participation: Empowered communities can actively resist child labor. Community-level interventions that educate and provide resources to identify and report child labor can be particularly effective.

In conclusion, child labor is a grave issue that needs our immediate attention and action. Eradicating child labor requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond legislation and taps into societal, economic, and cultural transformations. We must uphold every child’s right to a safe, joyful childhood and a future filled with opportunities. Thus, the responsibility lies with us to ensure no child is left behind, and every child has the freedom to embrace their potential fully.

Essay on Child Labor – Essay 8 (1000 Words)

About Child Labor

Child labor is a deeply ingrained global issue that encapsulates the exploitation of children through work that strips them of their childhood and their ability to receive regular schooling. It embodies any labor harmful to children mentally, physically, socially, or morally. It includes work in various sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to domestic work and forced participation in illicit activities.

This phenomenon is not merely an economic issue but a violation of basic human rights. Child labor, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), is work that affects a child’s education, is likely to be hazardous to their health, or is not appropriate for a child of that age. Despite international conventions and laws protecting children’s rights, underage servitude continues to persist across the globe, affecting millions of children and their families.

The roots of child labor are intertwined with socio-economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, cultural beliefs, and ineffective regulatory mechanisms. It thrives where poverty is rampant, educational infrastructure is inadequate, societal norms condone juvenile exploitation, and labor laws are poorly enforced.

Child labor doesn’t just rob children of their childhood; it compromises their future, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. The implications of child labor extend beyond the individual child, affecting families, communities, and societies at large. As we move towards a future that values every child’s rights and potential, addressing child labor must remain a priority on our global agenda.

Major Causes of Child Labor

Child labor thrives in the shadows of multiple factors, some of which are:

  • Poverty: Child labor is a means of survival for many impoverished families. Economic hardship compels them to send their children to work to supplement the family income.
  • Lack of Access to Quality Education: In regions where quality education is not accessible or affordable, families may view child labor as a more pragmatic option.
  • Cultural and Societal Norms: In certain societies, underage servitude is considered a way to instill discipline and work ethics in children from an early age. This is particularly prevalent in family-run businesses and farms.
  • Globalization: While globalization has many benefits, it can also inadvertently foster child labor. Brands seeking to cut production costs may source goods and services from countries with lax child labor laws or ineffective enforcement.
  • Regulatory Gaps: Although most nations have laws prohibiting child labor, enforcement is often weak, and some sectors, like agriculture, can exploit loopholes.

Impacts of Child Labor

Underage servitude is a pervasive issue with widespread impacts on the individual, their families, and broader society. These ramifications extend across various facets, from health and education to social and economic consequences.

For the individual child, the immediate impact is often detrimental to their physical health. Child laborers are commonly employed in hazardous environments, exposing them to harmful substances, strenuous physical labor, and long working hours. This can lead to chronic health conditions, injuries, and in extreme cases, premature death.

The psychological impact is equally devastating. The stress of working at a tender age can induce mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The lack of time for play and socialization, crucial aspects of a balanced childhood, further exacerbates these psychological issues.

In terms of education, child laborers are often forced to forgo schooling. A lack of education limits their future prospects, locking them into a cycle of poverty and unskilled labor. This educational deprivation also curtails their intellectual development and the acquisition of crucial life skills.

The impacts on families and communities are substantial too. Child labor can normalize the exploitation of the vulnerable, distorting societal values and ethics. It can reinforce socio-economic disparities, as the poor and marginalized are more likely to resort to child servitude, perpetuating the gap between different social strata.

Economically, child labor contributes to a low-skilled workforce, impeding economic development and growth. Nations with high rates of child labor often struggle to advance due to a lack of skilled laborers and innovators.

Challenges in Controlling Child Labor

Addressing child labor is a daunting task due to several challenges:

  1. Poverty Alleviation: Since poverty is a root cause of child labor, efforts to eradicate it must address economic disparities, a long-term and complex challenge.
  2. Education Access: Ensuring universal access to quality education is a significant hurdle, particularly in regions grappling with resource constraints.
  3. Cultural Barriers: Changing societal attitudes towards child servitude, deeply ingrained in cultural norms, requires persistent and sensitive efforts.
  4. Regulatory Enforcement: Strengthening child labor laws and their enforcement, especially in countries with weak regulatory frameworks, is a formidable challenge.
  5. Global Supply Chains: Monitoring global supply chains for child exploitation is complex due to their transnational nature and the many players involved.
  6. Insufficient Data and Research: Child labor’s hidden and illegal nature makes data collection and research challenging. Accurate data is essential to understand the problem’s scale and scope and develop targeted interventions.
  7. Political Will and Prioritization: Child labor may not be a priority issue for all governments, especially in countries grappling with numerous other challenges. The lack of political will can result in limited resources allocated to child servitude eradication and weak enforcement of existing laws.
  8. Climate Change and Disasters: Climate change and natural disasters can exacerbate child labor. Families hit by climate-induced disasters may turn to juvenile exploitation as a coping mechanism, while changes in agricultural patterns may increase the demand for underage drudgery in farming.

In conclusion, child labor is a grave infringement on children’s rights and a stain on our collective conscience. It requires our immediate attention and concerted efforts. From understanding its causes to grappling with its impacts and the challenges in its eradication, we need to take a comprehensive approach to solve this issue. Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, obtain a decent education, and aspire to a future free of exploitation. The responsibility of shaping such a world falls on all of us – governments, organizations, and individuals alike. Through collective action and relentless commitment, we can strive toward a world free from the clutches of child labor.

Situation with Child Labour in China: Analytical Essay

Every child should have a safe and carefree childhood, with the opportunity to receive the education they need and deserve so they can live a bright future, leaving their imprint on society by working to improve the lives of themselves and others around them. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury to live in an economically stable environment, as the case of thousands/millions of Chinese children. As a result, they are forced or coerced into working in large factories under the minimum wage and age of working. On average, these children work at least 6 hours or more per day, which is the amount of time children attend school daily. Usually, children who are involved in labor worked 6.75 hours per day on average, and spent 6.42 hours less per day on study than children who are not. The school dropout rate for children who are working was 11.57%, and this was 9.6% higher than that for the children who are not working.

Despite the implementation of the Miniomum Age Convention on 28th April 1999 and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention on 8th August 2002 to combat child labour, China still faces this problem and there has been little change evident. According to statistics produced by China that reflect a decrease in child labour, this does not change the stark conditions these children must face daily as they face exploitation. If anything, their working conditions have worsened as they face labourintesive jobs, being beaten when they misbehave and only receiving their payments at the end of the year.

Areas of work such as apparel manufacturing result in Chinese children being imported to different states to work labour intensive jobs, as they are the only workers willing to accept the unfair work situations, standards and payments.

Chinese children have been imported to complete labourinstensive jobs, as they are the only workers willing to accept the underrate pay that factories offer.

Some conditions they face:

  • They are forced to work 28 days a month
  • They are beaten when they

An example of importing children is that a large portion of more than 1,000 apparel manufacturers in Changshu, a location rich in cultural artifacts, import children from Yunna province. Workers can be under the age of 16.

According to the Chinese Law, an employee under the age of 16 is defined as a child labourer. Economic causes and impacts of this issue on the region causes:

  • Falling standards of education
  • Lack of access of education
  • Not enough incentive to attend
  • Not enough money for poor families to keep all their children in school
  • Poverty
  • Tricked into work by relatives or family
  • Pressure or approval of their parents (for economic reasons)

In the Jiangxi study mentioned earlier it was found that all the children found working were from families experiencing economic difficulties

  • Large section of population slipping further into poverty
  • Gap between rich and poor increasing steadily

Components that cause economic struggle (economic reforms are creating poverty not wealth and at the same time the safety net of social security is both inadequate and underdeveloped due to lack of investment and the financial crisis of many local governments, in part caused by corruption)

  • Rising living cost
  • Mass layoffs
  • Unemployment
  • Dramatic reduction in social services
  • Medical benefits
  • Food subsidies

Decline in the Danwei system (which guaranteed accommodation and other benefits)

Much greater number of people who are desperate for the extra income a child would provide

Areas with high unemployment/ rural/semi-rural areas which generally have seen little income increases for rural citizens

Child labour labout then becomes and intrinsic part of ecnomic survival, depsite the low wage they will receive

Rapid rural-to-urban migration has added to the increase of child labour in urban areas

Families leave severe agricultural work conditions for the city, for economic opportunities

Drastic increases, lack of regular employment, education and accessible social security often forces children and their families io urban poverty and children are then required to work

Technological and Environmental causes & impacts of this issue on the region

There are also other issues as well as impacts that contribute to the increase of child labour in China. Technological impacts are one of the influences of the demanding use of a child to do laborious jobs, instead of receiving an education. For example, Apple has discovered multiple cases of child labour in its supply chain, including one Chinese company that employed 74 children under the age of 16, in the latest controversy over the technology giant’s manufacturing methods. An internal audit found a flipside to the western consumer’s insatiable thirst for innovative and competitively priced gadgets. It uncovered 106 cases of underage labour being used at Apple suppliers last year and 70 cases historically. The report follows a series of worker suicides over working conditions at Foxconn, the Taiwanese company that assembles must-have products such as the iPad and iPhone, and lethal explosions at other plants.

Apple’s annual supplier report – which monitors nearly 400 suppliers – found that children were employed at 11 factories involved in making its products. A number of them had been recruited using forged identity papers. One Chinese supplier, a circuit board component maker called Guangdong Real Faith Pingzhou Electronics, was axed by Apple after 74 children under the age of 16 were recruited to work on its production lines. According to Apple, the children had been knowingly supplied by one of the region’s largest labour agencies, Shenzhen Quanshun Human Resources. Its investigators found that the agency conspired with families to forge identification documents. Apple did not disclose the ages of the children involved, but its code of conduct states it will not employ workers under the age of 15, or under the legal working age in any jurisdiction – which is 16 in China

Another major influence that contributes to child poverty is the environmental impacts, the situation of migrant workers. Hundreds of millions of them leave the countryside every year to find work in the city and often have to leave their children behind. Many of them now also leave their rural homes straight after school and engage in strenuous labour (assembly line, construction sector) that will scar their body for life because of their young age, not to mention work-related hazards (lack of proper protection, excessive working hours). Within only a few years, many of these kids start suffering from conditions that usually affect people over 60-70 years old. Generally, children who suffer from child labour live in poor conditions and their families are unable to sustain them, this is one of the main reasons in why many parents send their children off to work because of the extremely poor conditions they live in.

The government has seen the causes and the impacts of child labour happening, the slander and the mean tweets are happening, yet nothing has been done. Knowing that the children are forced to work because they’re poor, knowing they have limited resources, KNOWING that an issue such as this could be easily prevented and solved easily.

Argumentative Essay on Child Labour

Child labor has been seen as a significant global concern affecting the well-being of many children in the world. It is commonly found in underdeveloped countries where basic requirements and civil rights are not protected by law. According to the UN, poverty is the most compelling reason for driving child labor. Due to the ugly nature of inequitable growth within the countries, all of these children are deprived of their childhood and potential, they do not have the chance to seek education and were forced to work. From the perspective of the morality issues of child labor, in accordance with the principles of Kantian and utilitarian ethics, there are many arguments within these theories.

For Kant’s rule, the principle of universalizability states that child labor is morally wrong as it is not aligned with the basic human rights of children around the world, and has been shown to affect the development of children, likely leading to lifelong physical or psychological harm. Many fall victims to unfair work conditions, and they do not have the power to resist abuse. Children are the major influences of the country; they are encouraged to succeed and should be granted the ability to pursue education in order to build up their social development with peers, not to benefit many at the cost of oneself. Nevertheless, if the intent were to improve the quality of life, in comparison to the conditions of the past, then this can be justified. For Kant’s rule, the principle of humanity states that you do not treat humans as a means to an end. In other words, it meant that is not right to use people to obtain what you desire. Children at their appropriate age should experience being children and not be used as a tool for exploiting economic resources to advance the interests of others.

Act utilitarianism, on the other hand, considers everyone equal and agrees that child labor is morally right because it provides a means of livelihood for poor families; thus, it brings pleasure and enjoyment to the majority. Therefore, if these people are struggling to make ends meet, it is unethical to discourage them from doing so. In accepting child labor, we are making the most of the benefits for the greatest majority of people. As a result of the income earned, the family remains stable, while employers gain cheap labor to stay competitive. Child labor does provide a sense of happiness and unity for the families of the children involved; however, the amount of joy gained by making the children work is very minimal than being able to ascertain and enjoy the simple joys of childhood. Thus, the happiness of the majority that brings child labor cannot be used as a piece of evidence for its continuity.

In my perception, child labor is morally wrong than right, as it has a detrimental impact on children’s lives in every way, but extreme poverty persists around the world. Sometimes, work offers a way of life for poor families as education is deemed a premium to them. Work also creates an opportunity to move the poor person on a better trajectory than the choice of not working. On other hand, as a developed nation, we believe that young people should invest in education to do work that requires education. But to many underdeveloped counties in the world, work is often the best preparation for them. Thus, work is just as important as education. Education without implementation is a drain on society.