Abstract
Child labor is a social problem invading the world and especially the less developed countries where educational levels are low. Despite the laws that are enforced each year by international agencies to prevent child labor, reality does not reflect the efficacy of these laws. Two cases, one international and one local, reflect how abused children are being treated around the world and how their rights are being invaded. Illiterate poor families as well as businesses contribute in taking advantage of child labor in serving their own profits, especially with the lack of strict regulations that abolish this issue. Child labor is an issue that cannot be neglected and a human right concern. It is affecting children negatively because they are being exploited and forced to work at a very early age, while other children are getting educated and having a proper childhood. This chapter explores child labor.
TopChild Labor
Many social phenomena shaped our world throughout centuries. Some of these issues vanished and many are still present today. Child labor is one of the most important concepts present in many regions around the world. It refers to the employment of children when they are under the legal age. The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labor as “some types of work” done by children under 15 years of age and states that it prevents them from getting educated and affects their health.
Child labor is a social problem linked with the growth of manufacturing production and capitalism. It was first visible in early agricultural societies. However, in the course of the International Revolution of the 18th century, it started being attacked. Later, it became one of the largest scandals of the 19th centuries, scattering to other countries as they industrialize. The problem appeared when young kids were hired by factories. They were obligated to work for long hours under hazardous conditions in return for very little pay.