Child labor is a major problem in the world. It is estimated that 250 million children work in developing countries; most of which are in Africa and Asia (Lehar 1). The most prevalent kinds of labor in children are slave labor and bonded labor. Both of which are detrimental to the children and can hinder their development. The World Bank states that children, many of who "work under harsh conditions that adversely affect their mental and physical development, are locked into poverty, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle" (World Bank 4). Take for example Thailand, who despite their economic growth, still had rising unemployment rates of illiterates and people who had only primary education (World Bank 4). But children aren't just victims to horrid working conditions. Some are forced to work to support their families, but doing so guarantees that "the family and future generations remain in poverty and exploitation" (Golodner 1) because children often replace the roles of their parents, thus never progressing and never moving out of poverty. So how does one assuage the problem of child labor?
Many countries take out loans or aid in the form of SAPs (Structural Adjustment Programs) but history has shown that they can do more harm then good. |
