Child Labor and the Global Village - Essay Example

Child Labor and the Global Village Child labor is currently considered one of the most pressing global issues. According to the report of the International Labor Association in 2000, the number of children involved in this predicament is 246 million whose ages range from 5 to 17 years. As expected the overwhelming majority of child laborers are found in Asia (61%), Africa (32%), and Latin America (7%). From the aforementioned figure, 171 million are engaged in work that “by its nature is hazardous to their safety, physical or mental health, and moral development.

” Furthermore, an estimated 8.4 million children involved in “forced and bonded labor, the use of children and armed conflict, trafficking in children and commercial sexual exploitation.” These cases are known as the worst conditions in child labor (Every Child Counts). This essay will look at child labor in the perspective of Child Labor and the Global Village: Photography for Social Change (CLGV). This organization is team which photographs working children around the globe and hopes to educate people about this complex issue of child labor, to move people emotionally, and to motivate people to action.

According to CLGV, child labor is “work for children that harms them or exploits them in some way.” The harm can be bestowed physically, mentally, morally, as well as block access to the basic right to education. The organization also concede the fact the there is no universally accepted definition of child labor and that various definitions are utilized by international organizations, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and interest groups. CLGV also elaborates child labor by delineating a child as someone who is under 18 years of age (Images of Child Labor).

CLGV also recognize the argument of some social scientists that not all work is harmful for children. Some works, according to these thinkers are unobjectionable like when a child delivers newspapers before going to school. It is argued that this can possibly instill responsibility, capability, and let the child earn a little money. However, these cases are considered child labor when they are “exploitative.” An instance will be when the child is forced to do it and is not paid for the service (Images of Child Labor).

It is a widespread belief that child labor is largely associated with poverty. In fact, it is even considered as the sole cause of this issue. Child labor is also caused by “family expectations and traditions, abuse of the child, lack of good schools and day care, lack of other services, such as health care, public opinion that downplays the risk of early work for children, uncaring attitudes of employers, and limited choices for women (Images of Child Labor).” CLGV asserts that child labor is not only a problem of the developing countries but a global issue.

It should be noted that in industrialized countries, children routinely work, sometimes even for hazardous placements. However, the number of child laborers has significantly gone down in the past years. This can be attributed to factors like economic development, education, anti-child labor laws, and changes in public attitudes. In spite of these developments, the CLGV still believes that there is still a lot work to be accomplished for the total eradication of child labor. The organization urged people around the world to learn more about this global issue, bestow support to organizations which raises awareness, and provide direct support to children.

Works Cited “Every Child Counts.” International Labor Organization. 2000. 07 June 2006 “Images of Child Labor.” Child Labor and the Global Village: Photography for Social Change. 07 June 2006 < http://www.childlaborphotoproject.org/childlabor.html>