Child Labor Essay, Research Paper
Child Labor
Child labor refers to the economic active population under the age of 15 years employed in various industries (Grootaert, 2). According to the Microsoft Encarta, child labor is now used to denote the employment of minors in work that may interfere with their education or endanger their health (IPEC, 1). Child labor has grown to be a topic of widespread debate. It has many favorable and unfavorable points of view. In any case, child labor should be eradicated as it is harmful to the health of the children, it is an obstacle to their education, and it denies them a happy childhood.
Child labor is common in agriculture, domestic service, the sex industry, the carpet and textile industries, quarrying and brick making in countries in Asia and Africa (IPEC, 1). Employers in these industries buy children from their debtors or through the labor contractors (1). Sometimes children work to help pay off a loan incurred by the family (Grootaert, 2; IPEC, 1). In some cases the parents give their children to outsiders to work without pay in exchange for better living conditions in wealthy houses (IPEC, 1). Child labor also results from the system of apprenticeship, in which a child is sent to work to learn a trade. But actually they work more than they learn (Grootaert, 5).
Child labor has hostile consequences on the health of the children (Parker, 1). Children work in conditions that may endanger their health such as in stone quarries, tanning leather, and electroplating metals. They work without any protective clothing or equipment (1). Children in different occupations face different fatal diseases. Children employed in stone cutting, brick factories, granite quarries and slate factories face the risk of silicosis caused from exposure to silica (1). Tuberculosis is another disease faced by children in pottery related industries (1). These children also suffer from malnutrition due to their poor living conditions.
Child laborers work for most of the time. In some cases they work for 16 hours a day (Child labor, 1). This deprives the child from time to seek education, which is essential for the overall development and future progress of the child. Some children are bound by their employers as slaves and have to work all the time. In some cases the poverty of the household and low level of parental education are responsible for child labor (Grootaert, 3). The value of education is less important to the parents than the income the child earns for them. In the present money-oriented environment, the parents consider putting their child to work a better education method than schooling as work assures survival and better future prospects (3). This is due to the failure of many graduates to get a job, which is evident from the high level of unemployment existing among them. Kemmer Agiobou quotes, “Education broadens your mind but it does not teach you how to survive.”(3)
Children working as child laborers are denied a happy childhood. Numerous children in countries of Asia and Africa have to work throughout the day for money or for a monetary obligation of their parents (IPEC, 1). Young boys are put into agriculture and other activities as soon they are old enough to perform the tasks (Grootaert, 3). Girls are made to do household and domestic work as soon as they learn to do them (3). This leaves the child with little or no time for recreation. These children do not get time to play with other children of the same age group. Their friends are children they work with and not whom they play with. They even have little time to seek the love and affection of their parents. On the other hand, these children share the burden of financial responsibility with their parents. They face various health problems in their childhood. These children have to suffer physical and mental job stress at a very young age (2). Malnutrition is widespread among child laborers. They also receive less or no education compared to their rich counterparts. They are made to do menial and low level jobs that hurt their self-esteem at a very young age. This may hamper their normal development.
Child labor has certain positive aspects also. It is the only means for orphans to earn their living. These unfortunate children who loose their parents at an early age and have no relatives to support them have to depend on working at their small age. In the developing countries of Asia and Africa, there are fewer programs taking care of the problems of the orphans due to the lack of sources and vastness of the problem (Grootaert, 7). In many cases through the practice of child labor the children help and support their parents to settle their financial obligations and to earn money to support the family (2). People living below poverty line have no other option than to force their children into working in factories and other places for wages. Some parents force their children into the child labor market because they consider it as a part of socialization process that introduces a child to work activities and teaches survival skills (2). For households that have low income, any hindrance in the path of income creates complications in the survival of the family, as they do not have enough savings or credit facilities to support them in case of emergencies (4). This encourages the parents to send their children for work as it helps to face the risk of fall in income or loss of work by any member of the family.
Many organizations and people around the world are engaged in activities to eradicate child labor from the face of the world. For this they favor policies which worsen the conditions of the victims of child labor instead of improving their living conditions (Henderson, 1). Such organizations favor the method of taxing heavily the goods that are produced by employers using child labor, to discourage them from employing children. Some organizations persuade people not to buy products of companies that use child labor (1). When it is successful, the children are left job less and have no means of earning money for survival. Moreover, the child laborers and their parents consider these organizations as enemies. They get angry at these organizations because these organizations persuade employers not to employ the children and the consumers not to buy their products, which endangers the job of the child children (1). The organizations make little effort for providing alternative facilities to the child laborers that may be beneficial to them. Such aggressive methods to eradicate child labor would be properly successful only if they are accompanied by measures and programs that insure households a regular income (Grootaert, 4).
Though child labor supports many poor people, efforts should be made to eliminate it in a manner that does not worsen the condition of the poor people. Programs should be introduced that provide the unemployed with jobs with adequate salaries. Centers that support the orphans and provide them with free education should be established. Education should be provided to the poor for free and encouraged through different media in an effective manner. Child labor is considered good by many parents of poor families around the world. Therefore efforts should be made to change the outlook of these parents towards child labor. They should be made to realize that it is in the best interest of their child not to work as working may endanger the health and development of their child. In general, all the efforts must be directed towards the elimination of poverty. Thus, the world would be a better place for all children when they are brought up in a loving and caring environment and do not have to work and toil right from the early stages of their lives.
(Word Count 1303)
Works Cited :
“Child labor,”Microsoft Encarta, 1993: 1-5.
Grootaert, Christiian. “Child Labor: an economic perspective.” International Labour Review 136, 1995: 1-13.
Henderson, David R. “The case for sweatshops.” Fortune 134, 1996: 1-2.
IPEC fact sheets. “Child slavery and forced labor,” Microsoft Internet Explorer, Jan 1997: 1.
Parker, David. “Health effects of child labor.” Lancet 350, 1997: 1-2.
“Child labor,”Microsoft Encarta, 1993: 1-5.
Grootaert, Christiian. “Child Labor: an economic perspective.” International Labour Review 136, 1995: 1-13.
Henderson, David R. “The case for sweatshops.” Fortune 134, 1996: 1-2.
IPEC fact sheets. “Child slavery and forced labor,” Microsoft Internet Explorer, Jan 1997: 1.
Другие работы по теме:
Compare Contrast Essay Research Paper Only Child
Compare Contrast Essay, Research Paper Only Child vs Siblings I want this and I want that is all you here from an only child. There are many differences between an only child and a child who has siblings. My friend is an only child and there are many differences in the way we act. She always thinks of herself first, but that is not a bad thing.
Love Through The Eyes Of A Child
Essay, Research Paper Love through the Eyes of a Child A child s view of love is different than that of an adult. Children are concrete, simplistic, and intense in their love of the people and possessions in their lives. Examples of a child s love are easily seen through observation of their actions and expressions.
We Kool Kats Essay Research Paper We
We Kool Kats Essay, Research Paper We kool kats you left bare you left starren into nothin bang America cock of eternity you tore me up as if i were your child
Children And Physical Punishment Essay Research Paper
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.” These famouswords are found in Proverbs 13:24 and are familiare to every parent. “Should I, or should I not?” This is one of the many questions that a parent may ask himself when his child needs phyiscal punishment.Obedience, respect, and trust are very important in a child’s life because these three qualities build character.
Abortion Essay Research Paper Many have pondered
Abortion Essay, Research Paper Many have pondered upon the meaning of abortion. The argument being that every child that is born should be wanted and others who believe that every child that is conceived should be born. The choice of a woman whether or not she wants to conceive a child is called abortion. Abortion preserves a woman?s constitutional right, relieves the undesired child of future distress, and establishes a peaceful society.
Should Children Be In Competive Sports At
A Young Age? Essay, Research Paper Many American parents struggle to answer the puzzling question of what the appropriate age children should start to participate in competitive sports. A subject like this is puzzling because
Poem Angel Essay Research Paper Once upon
Poem: Angel Essay, Research Paper Once upon a time, there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God, “They tell me you’re sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”
Children And Tv Essay Research Paper As
Children And Tv Essay, Research Paper As a normal routine the first thing a child does when he/she arrives home is to cut on the television. I have a 4-year-old child, and he does this on an everyday basis. If he acts disobedient, I would tell him that he cannot watch television for that day and he will begin to apologize for his disobedience.
Autisim Essay Research Paper Autism is a
Autisim Essay, Research Paper Autism is a relatively rare occurence it is estimated that it occurs in between 2 to 5 peple in every ten-thousand births. The main factor that makes autistic childeren different from the norm is there lack of sociability. The autistic child does not appear to even want to interact with others and many times prefers self stimulation such as flicking there fingers in front of their face or biting.
You Can Lead A Horse To Water
, But Can’t Make Him Drink Essay, Research Paper Walters, Luther ENG 161-68 Thurs. February 02, 1999 You Can Lead A Horse To Water, But You Can?t Make Him Drink.
Medical Terms Essay Research Paper I agree
Medical Terms Essay, Research Paper I agree and disagree with genetic engineering. I feel that it is only fair to let somebody who can not get pregnant to able to use invitro-fertilization and to pick what the child would look like. However, to choose whether sperm was from an Olympic athlete or someone with very high intelligence levels is unfair and unethical.
Abortion Right Or Wrong Essay Research Paper
Abortion: Right or Wrong? Last week my friend Debbie and I stumbled onto the topic of abortion. Deb happens to be all for it, whereas I am against it. She feels a woman has the right to decide whether or not she wants to have a child and if she is ready at that moment to have a child or not. If the woman does not feel she is ready, Deb says it is wrong to bring an unwanted child into the world.
Abortion Essay Research Paper Abortion I think
Abortion Essay, Research Paper Abortion I think is very bad. Abortion is the killing of an unborn child. The abortion clinics use many cruel and discusting techniques to kill the unborn baby. On way is they take a vaccuum and suck the child out break it into pieces. Another way is they take a sharp knife or something and they scrape the baby out while cutting it into pieces.
Child Care Essay Research Paper Caring for
Child Care Essay, Research Paper Caring for a pet is like caring for a child. I feel this is because you do almost the same things that you do when caring for a child, that you would do when caring for a pet. The similarities are you provide food and shelter, you provide them with entertainment, and you take them to a doctor or vettrnarin when they are sick.
Parental Responsibility Essay Research Paper Parental ResponsibilityBecoming
Parental Responsibility Essay, Research Paper Parental Responsibility Becoming a parent requires a lot of responsibility. The life a person invisions their child to have is determined by the support they provide. A child s youth is the most important stage in contributing to his/her future. In most cases, parents are the ones who are responsible for their child s behavior.
Should All Men Have To Pay Child
Support Essay, Research Paper Should All Men Have To Pay Child Support I have been watching the television lately, and all they have been talking about how they are arresting many dads. The reason behind the arrest is over due child support. Now is that right? Most people would say yes I feel there is many circumstances.
Child Pornography Essay Research Paper Child PornographyPornography
Child Pornography Essay, Research Paper Child Pornography Pornography is a serious issue that will never be ignored or dismissed. Focusing directly with child pornography. Pornography, viewed by an adult is a pill stimulating the mind, inducing sexual arousement and pleasure, but when a child views pornography, an affect of social behavior starts.
Night Terrors Essay Research Paper Night TerrorsNight
Night Terrors Essay, Research Paper Night Terrors Night terrors are relatively common occurrence that appears mostly in young children typically between the ages of three and five year olds. A night terror usually occurs after the child goes to bed. Night terrors can be hereditary. If you or your spouse had them as a young child, most likely your child will get them too.
The Dead Child Essay Research Paper An
The Dead Child Essay, Research Paper An overview of the short story “The Dead Child” The Dead Child written by Gabrielle Roy is a story about how an young inexperienced substitute teacher helps her students to deal with the death of their peer-Yolande. The story takes place in a small Metis villege in Manitoba on a summer day in June during The Great Depression.
It Ain
’t Easy Being A Child Essay, Research Paper I know I haven’t been an easy child, But love for you lies underneath my whims; There is no way I could be tame or mild: I need sometimes to shout and wave my
Child Poverty Essay Research Paper CHILDREN AND
Child Poverty Essay, Research Paper CHILDREN AND POVERTY IN CANADA The purpose of this project is to discuss child poverty and child welfare practice. There is a need to critically examine the issue and situate the causes of
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseWhy
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse Why do some people feel the need to commit child abuse? Child abuse is something that affects many children in the U.S. It is not something to be taken lightly or to be over looked. Those people who commit abuse against children are people who are mentally unstable and are dangerous to society.
Child Labor 2 Essay Research Paper 2
Child Labor 2 Essay, Research Paper “The children are the future of our nation.” This famous line of Dr. Jose Rizal has gained prominence especially among policy makers in their quest to develop and implement laws and programs that will propel the total development of a nation’s millions of children. I personally agree with Rizal’s vision since each child is a potential contributor in the improvement of society.
Disciplining Your Child Essay Research Paper Disciplining
Disciplining Your Child Essay, Research Paper Disciplining your child can be rough on the child but mostly on you. Disciplining your child is a hard thing to do when it comes around. The main thing parents worry about is when should I discipline, how should I discipline, and what are some things I can do instead of disciplining.
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Smacking and
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Smacking and the Damage Done There has always been a fine line between discipline and child abuse. What a parent thinks is right may not always be what is healthy for a child. “The Broken Chain,” by M.F.K. fisher is an essay about a young girls history of child abuse. Though many people feel that disciplining a child physically is acceptable, abuse is abuse!
Child Labor In Pakistan Essay Research Paper
Child Labor in Pakistan Ryan Eagleton November 6, 1999 & John Hammer Child labor is a byproduct of the industrial revolution and was used mainly because Child Labor is a cheap labor force, and because of the child size they could get into places where adults could not. During the late 18th, through the 19th century there has been a visible effort to eliminate child labor.
Child Labor The Future Essay Research Paper
Child Labot: The Future? Since the Industrial Revolution, there has been a constant need for labor. As the world becomes more oriented around technology, the world demands
Child Labor Essay Research Paper My opinion
Child Labor Essay, Research Paper My opinion is that child labor was one of the most terrible acts in the 1800 s. I am sure that there were more than enough adults to take care of the jobs that small child had to do. I think that child labor sick and twisted and anyone who believes in it should not be considered human.
Child Labor Essay Research Paper By definition
Child Labor Essay, Research Paper By definition, child labor is described as any economic exploitation or work that is likely to be hazardous, or interferes with the child s education, or is harmful to the child s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development. Although this is clearly stated in Article 32 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was started by UN in the 1920’s, it is often ignored in the developing world where child labor has become a growing issue.
Child Labor Essay Research Paper Child Labor
Child Labor Essay, Research Paper Child Labor, is a term used to represent the employment of minors generally, especially in work that may interfere with their education or endanger their health. Throughout the ages and in all cultures children joined with their parents to work in the fields, in the marketplace, and around the home as soon as they were old enough to perform simple tasks.
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseIn
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse In this country the problem of child abuse is very serious. Child abuse can happen to almost any child. The abuser and the child may seem
Parents Influence In Kids Lifes Essay Research
Paper Parents Influence In Kids Lifes. Throughout the ages parents have had an impact on their child?s education and learning ability. It is strange for a child to succeed and accomplish a goal that requires 12- 16