CHILD LABOUR

Definition of CHILD LABOUR

CHILD LABOUR Noun

Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through work that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity. It is a complex issue with significant social, economic, and ethical implications.

As a noun, child labour denotes the practice of employing children in work that is often exploitative, hazardous, and detrimental to their well-being. This can include tasks such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, domestic service, and street vending. Child labour deprives children of their right to education, exposes them to physical and emotional harm, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

Forms of Child Labour: Child labour can take various forms, ranging from bonded labour, where children are forced to work to pay off debts, to trafficking and forced recruitment into armed conflict. Children may also be engaged in hazardous occupations, such as working in mines or factories, where they are exposed to dangerous conditions without adequate protection or supervision.

Causes and Consequences: The causes of child labour are multifaceted and include poverty, lack of access to education, cultural practices, weak enforcement of child labour laws, and demand for cheap labour. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting not only the physical and psychological well-being of children but also perpetuating cycles of poverty, hindering economic development, and undermining social stability.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: International organizations, governments, and civil society groups have long recognized the need to address child labour through legal and ethical frameworks. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) set standards and guidelines for the elimination of child labour and the protection of children’s rights.

Efforts to Combat Child Labour: Efforts to combat child labour involve a combination of legislative measures, social programs, education initiatives, and economic interventions. These include enacting and enforcing laws to protect children from exploitation, providing access to quality education and social services, empowering communities and families, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for adults.

Role of Businesses and Consumers: Businesses also play a significant role in addressing child labour by ensuring that their supply chains are free from exploitation and by promoting ethical sourcing practices. Consumers can support ethical brands and products, advocate for corporate responsibility, and raise awareness about the issue of child labour through their purchasing choices and activism.

In conclusion, child labour remains a persistent challenge that undermines the rights, well-being, and future prospects of millions of children worldwide. Addressing child labour requires a concerted effort from governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals to uphold children’s rights, provide access to education and social protection, and create opportunities for sustainable development. By working together, we can create a world where every child is free from exploitation and able to fulfill their potential.

Examples of CHILD LABOUR in a sentence

  • The organization worked tirelessly to combat the exploitation of children through campaigns against child labour.
  • Legislation was enacted to prohibit the employment of minors and prevent instances of child labour.
  • The documentary shed light on the harsh realities faced by children trapped in the cycle of child labour.
  • International efforts aimed to eradicate the worst forms of child labour in vulnerable communities.
  • The factory was investigated for employing underage workers in violation of child labour laws.
  • Advocates called for stricter regulations to protect children from the dangers of child labour.
  • The conference addressed the root causes and consequences of child labour around the world.
  • Education was identified as a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and child labour.

Origin of CHILD LABOUR

The term child labour has its etymological origins rooted in the historical practices and societal attitudes towards the employment of children in various industries and occupations.

  • Old English Roots: The term “child” traces back to Old English as “cild,” referring to a young human being, especially before the onset of puberty. In medieval societies, children were often viewed as apprentices or assistants in familial or community-based trades.
  • Middle English Development: During the Middle Ages, as urbanization and industrialization began to reshape societies, children were increasingly employed in factories, mines, and agricultural fields. The term “labour,” derived from Old French “labourer,” denoted physical work or exertion.
  • Industrial Revolution Impact: The Industrial Revolution marked a significant increase in child labour, as factories and mills sought cheap and compliant labor. Children, often from impoverished families, were employed in hazardous conditions, working long hours for minimal pay.
  • Social Reform Movements: Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, social reform movements emerged to address the issue of child labour. Advocates campaigned for legislation to establish minimum age requirements, regulate working conditions, and ensure access to education for children.

From its origins in Old English to its association with the exploitative practices of the Industrial Revolution, the term child labour reflects the historical evolution of societal attitudes towards the employment of children and efforts to mitigate its detrimental effects.

Synonyms

  • Child exploitation
  • Juvenile labor
  • Underage labor
  • Child work
  • Child servitude
  • Child bondage
  • Minor employment
  • Youth labor

Antonyms

  • Child protection
  • Childhood
  • Education
  • Playtime
  • Child welfare
  • Youth development
  • Guardianship
  • Child rights

Related

  • Exploitation
  • Poverty
  • Sweatshops
  • Forced labor
  • Trafficking
  • Education deprivation
  • Child rights violation
  • Labor laws

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