In impoverished developing countries, the work force is all that stands between the family and life threatening destitution. When “child labor” comes to mind, there is a mental illustration of deformity, pain, and abuse. Most families of these children experiencing such conditions are fatherless. Mothers are left with little assistance to care for her home. Orphans are left in the care of a distant relative or sometimes even the older sibling. In most cases found in developing countries, work is obviously the number one option for some type of income.
The debate arguing child labor is so laden with emotion and self-serving arguments that the facts are overlooked. In many areas, work is easier to find than education. In order to avoid the menacing streets, children must find jobs and help support their family. Without available education, work is still considered indispensable in shaping the child’s morality and strength of character while teaching him or her a trade. A small percentage of children in the work force may be harshly treated, but that doesn’t correctly describe every job available to children. Underneath compelling arguments lurks an agenda of trade that is held tightly.
Children crawling in dangerous mines, bleeding fingers of famished infants weaving soccer balls, a child mining gold instead of learning to read and write, and tiny figures huddled in sweatshops are all obvious reason to ban child labor as quickly as possible. But in reality, only one percent of working children are in any type of mine. Only two percent are found in construction areas. Seventy-five percent of working children are on family farm doing simple jobs like fetching water and feeding animals. The rest are in outlets, retail stores, and other consumer services.
Congress passing laws against child labor did protect some children, but it also destroyed a lot of families by eliminating a needed income stream in a time when there was no welfare. Stopping child labor without doing anything else could leave a child worse off. If they are working out of necessity, which most are, stopping them could force them into prostitution or other hazardous means of income. I urge you to dig beneath the surface of this issue. Put aside your emotions and take a look at the heart of child labor, SURVIVAL.