Child Labor Essay - 1926 Words

Child Labor Child labor is a pervasive problem throughout the global economy, especially in the markets of developing countries. With over 90% of the total child labor market employed in the rural areas of Asia and Africa largely due to lack of enforcement, it is argued that something has to be done. Although the majority of people are ethically appalled by child labor, and against the exploitation of children, is the worldwide eradication of the worst forms of child labor really a feasible alternative? To answer this question people have to take into account a variety of factors involving both the economic and social costs, as well as have a firm understanding of the situations people are faced with in these underdeveloped†¦show more content†¦With a vast amount of resources and huge demand for finished goods, child labor including the worst forms of bonded labor were used in both the US and UK to produce goods at the lowest possible cost. So to tell governments of impove rished nations to ban the practices that helped make industrialized nations what they are today is counterintuitive. For the US and the UK as well as others have relied on the use of child labor during their time of industrial development. This is a large reason why some third world governments are willing to turn a blind eye to some of the practices going on in their countries. Because there is hope that they too will develop industry by attracting foreign investment with the lure of cheap labor, and one day be able to emerge as an industrialized nation as did the US and the UK. So how does child labor help increase investment, and make children better off? This is a very strong argument for the proponents of child labor. The governments of these countries understand that a child working 14 hours a day in a factory isn’t what is best for that child. But when you consider the alternatives, is working in a factory for less than a dollar a day really making a child or their future worse off? Some would argue no. Primarily because of the economic advantages that can be gained by luring investment with the promise of high profits due to a cheap labor market. Krugman outlines many of the benefits that can come from childShow MoreRelatedThe Nature Of Child Labor1626 Words   |  7 Pagesthat â€Å"Globally there are 168 million child laborers, over half of which, 85 million, are in hazardous work conditions† (ILO). Child labor is not a new phenomenon by any means; it has been going on for years and has become a social issue. This paper aims to portray the nature of child labor in India. It looks at the definition of child labor, the prevalence, and factors that lead children to work. Definition Often time people assume that the meaning of child labor is clear-cut. However, there is littleRead MoreChild Labor1885 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Child labor† By Elie Bou Chaaya ENL 110 Section â€Å"D† Miss Zeina Fayyad 18, January, 2008 Outline: Thesis statement: Child labor nowadays is considered to be a social injustice due to its harmful effects on the personal and psychological life of the child where the kinds of work offered to the child increases the amount of these effects regarding the solutions. I. Harmful personal and physical effects of child labor A. Low pay B. Very long work hours C. Forbids childrenRead MoreThe Dilemma Of Childhood And Child Labor837 Words   |  4 PagesChildren in Need The dilemma of childhood and child labor are constantly being argued in overseas and domestic sociological literature. Anthropologists and Sociologists through the time have observed the history and the impact of social institutions on child labor. 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