Does Child Labor Lead To Bad Education Or The Other Way Round?

Name
Professor
Course
Date
Why Child Labor Exists?
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) (2017a), it is estimated that by 2016 approximately 152 million children were involved in child labor across the world (p. 23). There are various forms of children’s work with different levels of danger and demands. ILO has defined child labor as work that affects children in a negative manner by denying them their childhood and a chance to realize their potentials and dignity. Sometimes child labor is considered to be hazardous or safe. In some cases children’s wok has potential benefits and harm to children; therefore, assessing both positive and negative impacts will be more helpful in applying general standards. In most cases, child labor interferes with the formal education of children by denying them the chance of attending schools to learn, making them drop out of school or balance between work and school. Majority of children rights organizations and initiatives believe that child labor and education should not co-exist. They also believe that child labor is a barrier to Education for All (EFA) initiative. Moreover, it is believed that child labor has negative impacts on the health status of children later in their adult lives.
Question
Does child labor lead to bad education or the other way round?
Child labor is one of the common issues affecting children education in different parts of the world. According to Beegle, Dehejia, and Gatti (2009), child labor has a few far-reaching consequences on child education. The researchers established that child labor can lead to about 46% reduction of the probability of the children attending school and it can lead to a 21% decrease in attainment of education. The researchers establish that child labor can lead to about 46% reduction of the probability of the children attending school and it can lead to a 21% decrease in the attainment of education by the children (Beegle, Dehejia and Gatti p. 872). In his study, Naidu (2002) attempted to shade more insights into the various factors that influence the existence of child labor. He notes that
Child labour largely depends upon normative attitudes towards children in society, the culturally determined roles and functions of children, the values by which the activities of children are judged and the nature of socialization process. In industrialized countries, there is general disapproval of participation of school age children in the formal labour force. The participation of children in housework is approved, by parents at least. In many countries, participation in various types of economic activities from an early age is considered as an essential part of socialization. The prevailing modes of domestic organisations and system of kinship and marriage also affect child labour. What children must do is influenced by what the system of kinship considers the rights and obligations of children. In many places, the delegation of aspects of parental roles, and the institutionalized practice of fostering of children by non-parental kin, involves widespread transfers of the obligation to train and maintain children and the right to enjoy the services of the young. Such practices may involve an element of apprent...