DECONSTRUCTING THE SOCIALIZATION OF FEMALE CHILD IN FILTERS CHILD LABOR IN AMERICA

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gsr.2023(VIII-I).42      10.31703/gsr.2023(VIII-I).42      Published : Mar 2023
Authored by : Faiza Ali Raza , Nailah Riaz

42 Pages : 427-432

    Abstract

    The significant child rights cases, socializing and dissecting child labor. We need historical, sociological, and legal research on the causes of child labor. The thesis uses legal, sociological, and critical theory to examine how power, economics, culture, and law contribute to and sustain child labor. The deconstructive approach looks into the social, cultural, and economic causes of child labor. Child work socialization is impacted by gender, money, education, and culture. It examines how power functions in social and financial systems, corporations, networks, and families. This study looks at texts, ideas, and conversations that elevate kids' creativity regardless of morality while standardizing and promoting their art. This abstract demonstrates how current laws don't work to prevent the socialization of child labor. This study suggests fostering young children's socialization by addressing ingrained structural and social inequalities. We must challenge traditions, spread knowledge, and strengthen communities if we are to stop child labor and create lasting solutions.

    Key Words

    Child Labour, Socialization, Deconstruction, Legal Struggle, Children's Rights, Multidisciplinary Approach, Power Dynamics, Economics, Culture, Legal Frameworks

    Introduction

    The socialization of child work is the process through which child labor practices become accepted, normalized, and ingrained in a culture. It involves the propagation of cultural norms, attitudes, and beliefs that support the idea that young children should start working, occasionally in exploitative or risky situations. Likely, child employment is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of some communities, where children are expected to assist at home or work in the family business from a young age. These cultural standards could lend credence to the idea that child labor is good or necessary for a child's growth. Poverty and economic hardship have a profound impact on how child labor is socialized. Poverty and economic hardship have a profound impact on how child labor is socialized. 

    When families struggle to meet their basic needs, children may be expected to work; this is seen as a normal component of economic survival. The socialization of child employment is usually encouraged by ignorance about the negative impacts of child labor on children's physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Lack of educational possibilities or ignorance of children's rights may make it difficult to challenge and change societal attitudes towards child work. Children who were formerly workers themselves could grow up to carry on the tradition within their own families, creating a generational cycle of child labor. It can be challenging to break out of this cycle since the normalization of child employment becomes ingrained in family dynamics and cultural expectations.

     Child work can become more commonplace in society when rules and regulations forbidding it are either not enforced at all or are not implemented properly. In an atmosphere where there are no consequences for utilizing or abusing it, child work may be seen as acceptable or even necessary for economic productivity. It's a distressing fact that kids have been exploited and forced into dangerous jobs throughout history. To protect children and put a stop to the societal acceptance of child work, a significant legal struggle has, however, only begun. The purpose of this deconstruction is to explore the complex factors that combine to cause child labor and to review the noteworthy actions done to solve this critical issue. 

    Child employment has a long history, notably during the Industrial Revolution when the demand for inexpensive labor led to child labor being used extensively in several industries. At the time, child employment was considered a means of subsistence for families, which led to a cycle of poverty and limited education opportunities. To stop the socialization of child work, these cultural, economic, and educational components must be questioned and altered.


    Research Questions

    1. Why is child labor a social issue?

    2. Does Globalization Increase Child Labour?

    3. Cash transfers affect the poorest children because of the income elasticity of child labor.

    4. Is child labor a human rights violation?


    Research Objectives

    ? To explore serious bodily and mental injury, as well as death, caused by child labor

    ? To examine how it can result in slavery and sexual or economic exploitation

    ? To analyze how it prevents children from receiving education and health treatment

    ? To study limiting children's fundamental rights and endangering their futures

    Literature Review

    Parents introduce their children to gender expectations for the first time (Dantzler & Reynolds 2020). Fathers serve as gender role models for boys, while mothers serve as gender role models for daughters. Parents anticipate gender disparities in talents and personality traits in boys and girls. Parents reinforce gender-specific standards in a variety of ways. America is one of several developing countries that has not yet fully embraced gender equality. With this, it has proven to be incredibly difficult to estimate the specific number of youngsters working across a variety of countries, especially developing ones. It is partly because the problem is obscured (Kebebew, 1998), but mostly because there are divergent views on what counts as child work and what does not (Kebebew, 1998). There is debate about what constitutes a "hazardous" job, and whether an occupation is harmful depends on the tasks performed at the workplace and the working environment. Therefore, the idea that "child labor" is defined as any activity that puts children at risk does not provide a clear and universally agreed-upon definition of the term. This is because certain of the duties performed by young people in rural areas may not be harmful to their capacity to develop normally. As a result, it implies that it is important to distinguish between the varied effects of the various activities carried out by children before categorizing them as child work. Determine the point at which a child's hours of work begin to have a detrimental effect on their overall development (Assefa & Arjun, 2003), to harm a child's health, growth, or learning, or to be harmful to their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social well-being, to define child labor clearly. Working children are concentrated in rural regions of all countries, especially those in developing countries, according to (Assefa & Arjun, 2003). 

    Although there are many empirical studies on child labor, they are frequently not grounded in any theory, according to (Basu,1999), who reviewed the literature on the subject.  Early theoretical literature identified the enormous impacts child labor has on a variety of decisions made at the household level. The close connection between the family's decision to have children and the scheduling of the kids' time for other pursuits received special focus (Rosenzweig et al., 1977; Chernichovsky, 1985; Schuh et al. 1986).  The argument goes on to claim that low-income parents' fertility decisions and, consequently, the quantity and quality of their offspring are positively and significantly impacted by the fact that they place a high value on their children from an economic standpoint. As children's economic worth increased and as parents' desire for additional children increased as a result, the cost of investing in children's quality would rise. Various aspects of child labor are emphasized in theoretical writings. Others (Ray, 2000b; Ray, 1998) emphasize the interaction between alternative uses of children's time and adult labor market conditions, while some studies (Basu and Van, 1998; Basu, 1999) emphasize the interaction between adult labor market conditions and children's labor market conditions. However, a family may not be able to pay for both the direct and indirect costs of sending a kid to school if they are poor and have no access to extra sources of income. In these situations, child employment becomes the inevitable outcome of parental decisions taken to ensure the survival of the entire family (Bonnet, 1993).  

    Without addressing child labor directly, (Schultz, 1961) and (Becker, et al., 1993) stressed the importance of credit markets in the long-term development of human capital. Parents can reinforce their children's gender expectations via play. The toys they offer are one illustration (Kandirikirira, 2002). For example, dolls and kitchenware are frequently supplied to ladies, whereas boys are typically given sports equipment and toy cars. Girls' play is anticipated to be more passive, whilst boys' play is thought to be more active. While some parents continue to hold their children to traditional standards, others have more equal and flexible expectations for their sons and daughters. This is an overly simplistic interpretation of how individuals develop. In truth, human growth never ceases (Canty, et al., 2014). Our brains constantly adapt to the environment, picking up new patterns and getting rid of the ones that are no longer relevant. As you experience greater respect or terror, how you feel about yourself changes. Your approach to public life changes as a result (Canty, et al., 2014). The same goes for suddenly being perceived as being less intelligent, sensitive, or feminine. A person's attitude and worldview change as they go from being oppressed to being privileged (Kandirikirira, 2002). Children who rebel against parental control grow up to become authoritarian adults who use that power to influence teens. As technology developed and expanded, there was an increased need for educated personnel. As a result, schooling increased, which ultimately resulted in the implementation of compulsory education. 

    The use of children as laborers has significantly declined, especially in Western Europe and the US, thanks to improved innovation, mechanization, and tighter regulations. In the middle of the 20th century, child labor was prevalent not just in mines and factory lines. Children also worked in house production in Europe and the US (Mitra, 2020). In the end, the fight against child labor is related to raising the ceiling on human dignity and opportunity. The benefits and dangers of child employment have evolved with time, just like child labor rehearsals. Innovation in the workplace has in some ways made work easier and safer. in particular for babies and young children (Mayer, 2013). Before anything was done to change the situation, working children in the United States were abused, overworked, and underpaid for a very long period. puts the following emphasis on them: Any job that involves working with young children is bad. Exercise shouldn't be linked to "physical growth" in any way. 

    When they were roused from their sleep and confined there, many kids between the ages of six and seven ran to the mills. According to Clark-Bennett although being forbidden, child labor is nevertheless prevalent.  It is shocking to find that in the United States, children as young as six are required to labor in factories, gold mines, hazardous rock quarries, construction, offshore, garbage collecting, and beg. Children can also work in construction, welding, and silk spinning. Children were used as advance assurances and in the smuggling of drugs and alcohol. There were several reasons why businesspeople were interested in hiring children. Kids could fit into confined places in mines and processing factories when adults were unable to do so since they were less expensive, easier to make do with, and less likely to be hurt. Although child labor is a worldwide problem, developing countries like Pakistan are particularly affected. Pakistan's stigmatization of child work has a negative influence on the country's prosperity (Kousar et al., 2005). Pakistan now has a sizable uneducated population.

    Methodology

    This study deconstructs the socialization of child time allocation activities as a function of child-specific, parental, household, and cultural characteristics. The underlying assumption is that child labor is a logical response to household utility maximization problems subject to production, time, and cash income constraints (Assefa & Arjun, 2003). According to (Assefa & Arjun 2003), the study makes the supposition that the family members must unanimously agree on the choices or that an altruistic adult, who is frequently seen as the home leader, makes the decisions about the children's time distribution. The articles' text came from online downloads. The researcher has read about child labor books from beginning to end. Throughout, qualities and quantities analysis of child labor.

    Results and Discussion

    Analyzing child labor practices requires looking at the many facets and effects of child labor, including its sources, effects, legal frameworks, and efforts to resist it. The extent and significance of: The term "youth work" refers to children's involvement in cognitively, practically, socially, or morally hazardous activity that hinders their academic progress. Examining the practice requires knowledge of the numerous forms that child labor may take, including exploitation, forced labor, dangerous employment, and trafficking. To successfully address the issue, it is crucial to look at the underlying factors and motivations that contribute to child work. Poverty, limited educational opportunities, a lack of social safety, violent conflicts, and cultural norms that devalue children's rights can all contribute to child work practices. 

    The development of certain policies and initiatives benefits from an understanding of these issues. Child labor has serious negative effects on children's education, prospects, and physical and mental health. The immediate and long-term repercussions on kids, their families, and society as a whole must be taken into account while examining child work practices. Understanding the maintenance of intergenerational child work as well as the vicious cycle of poverty and limited social mobility is part of this. Analyzing the public and global legal frameworks created to combat child labor is necessary when dissecting child labor practices. It involves focusing on rules, policies, and methods that address child labor, the shortest possible time for business, hazardous employment, and required training. 

    To identify flaws and potential areas for development, the efficacy of legal systems can be assessed.  Analysis of child work practices requires consideration of procedures for monitoring and implementing child labor legislation. This includes assessing the capacity of governmental entities, work inspectors, and other collaborators to identify, investigate, and take action against child labor violations. It also entails evaluating the role that local and international organizations play in vetting and disclosing child rehearsals. Supply chains and corporate accountability must be explored to analyze child labor practices. This entails assessing the steps taken by companies to make sure that child labor is not utilized in their supply chains or activities. Initiatives for corporate social responsibility and certification programs that promote ethical practices are also covered. Focusing on agreements and mediations aimed at preventing kid work is one aspect of dismantling kid work rehearsals.

     This includes evaluating initiatives aimed at improving access to education, enhancing social security, and eradicating poverty. It also looks at awareness programs, responsible corporate practices, and international collaborations to prevent child labor. When breaking down child work rehearsals, it's important to consider the impact of breaks and disposal procedures. This entails tracking adjustments in the frequency of child labor, enhancements in the well-being of kids and families, and expansions in educational access. Influence evaluation examines the effectiveness of intercessions and sheds light on potential future steps. Policymakers, experts, and supporters can learn more about the origins, effects, and likely arrangements of kid work practice by undertaking a thorough inquiry. This report serves as a basis for policies, programs, and advocacy initiatives that support child rights across the world and work to end child labor.

    Analyzing the socialization of child labor involves identifying the social, social, and real factors that contribute to the acceptance and dissemination of child labor practices within social structures.  Cultural ideas, conventions, and values have a considerable impact on attitudes towards child work. Work is seen in certain countries as a means of teaching children responsibility, discipline, and skills. Because of this viewpoint, child employment may be seen as a typical and essential aspect of a kid's upbringing. The socioeconomic environment of a society can have an impact on the incidence of child labor. Financial imbalances, adult employment opportunities being closed off, and destitution might force families to rely on child labor to survive. 

    In these situations, child labor may be socially accepted and, shockingly, anticipated. Child work laws can be passed down through the generations. If a parent or other adult carer used child work when they were younger, they can view it as commonplace and transmit that perception on to their kids, perpetuating the cycle. Restrictive admission to high-quality education can enhance young children's socialization. When there are few possibilities for education, children are more inclined to work than to attend school. As a result, reinforcing the notion that labor is more essential than education, might make it more difficult to end the cycle of child employment. Gender roles and expectations are another factor that affects child labor practices.

     In some social systems, young women may be required to take on early domestic or childcare responsibilities, which limits their access to education and other career opportunities. On the other hand, young males may be forced to labor in hazardous or unpleasant situations. The socialization of child work may be aided by a lack of understanding of its detrimental impacts and ineffective legal enforcement. When they are not sufficiently opposed or penalized, child work practises may become accepted social standards and continue unquestioned. When evaluating the socialization of child work, it is equally important to comprehend the impact of cultural changes and social movements. Support initiatives, mindfulness initiatives, and community planning can challenge dominant viewpoints and norms about child labor, advocating alternative viewpoints that emphasize the freedoms, education, and prosperity of children. 

    Schools, rigid institutions, and other social groups can play a crucial role in preventing the socialization of child labor. By offering assistance to underprivileged families, teaching the public about children's rights, and increasing awareness, these organizations can change society's attitudes and end the cycle of child employment. To analyze the socialization of child work, a thorough understanding of the relevant cultural, economic, and historical aspects is required. It requires questioning social norms and beliefs, advancing knowledge and understanding, and implementing actions and policies that place a high priority on the rights and welfare of children.

    Conclusion

    Child labor is typically influenced by social and cultural norms, practices, and rituals that normalize or even encourage youngsters to work. These issues include things like gender roles, poverty, access to education, and cultural expectations. Economical issues including poverty, a dearth of adequate adult career options, and employer exploitation contribute to the continuation of child labor. Families may rely on the income generated by child labor to take care of pressing needs. When individuals have access to top-notch education, child labor is significantly decreased. Studies have indicated that more educational possibilities and an understanding of the value of education may support the battle against child labor and children's rights. Several qualitative and quantitative studies have been conducted on the complex elements that lead to child labor. To understand the interwoven dynamics, causes, and dynamics of child work, researchers have looked into its social, cultural, economic, and legal elements. The main reasons for child labor, according to academics, include poverty, a lack of access to high-quality education, gender inequality, lax legal protections, and social and cultural norms. Interventions can be created to efficiently address these underlying issues. Experts have studied the results of many initiatives, strategies, and programs aimed at reducing child labor. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations should collaborate to share best practices, exchange information, and establish shared policies to protect children across international boundaries. Education is essential for children's empowerment, legal knowledge, and the development of a culture of legal respect. Governments and organizations should place a high premium on providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education while undertaking awareness campaigns to inform communities about the relevance of children's rights. The primary factors contributing to the violation of children's rights are destitution and inequality.

References

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  • Canty, J., Stubbe, M., Steers, D., & Collings, S. (2014). The Trouble with Bullying – Deconstructing the Conventional Definition of Bullying for a Child‐centred Investigation into Children’s Use of Social Media. Children & Society, 30(1), 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12103
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  • Kandirikirira, N. (2002). Deconstructing domination: gender disempowerment and the legacy of colonialism and apartheid in Omaheke, Namibia in Cleaver (ed.) Masculinities matter!: men, gender and development
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  • Kousar, A., Akhtar, S., Shazad, F., Asma, S., Akhter, N., Nighat, S., (2005). Causes and Consequences of Child Labour in Carpet Weaving Industries; Journal of Agriculture & Social Sciences;1813–2235/2005/01–1–58–59
  • Mayer, Gerald (2013). Child Labour in America: History, Policy, and Legislative Issues. Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.govRL31501
  • Mitra, D. N. (2020). Is there a culture of child labor? The Decision-Making Process of Working among Girl Beedi Rollers in Jhalda region of Purulia, West Bengal. In Springer eBooks (pp. 83– 109). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3106-4_4
  • Assefa, A., & Arjun, B. (2003) Attending School, Two “Rs” and Child Work in Rural Ethiopia, Institute of Social Studies, Working Paper Series No.387. (2005): Attending School, Two “Rs” and Child Work in Rural Ethiopia, in Alemayehu Seyoum et al (eds), Proceedings of the Second International Conference on the Ethiopian Economy, Ethiopian Economic Association, Addis Ababa.
  • Basu, K. (1999). Child labor: cause, consequence, and cure, with remarks on international labor standards. Journal of Economic Literature, 37(3), 1083-1119. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.37.3.1083
  • Becker, S., Peters, D. H., Gray, R. H., Gultiano, C., & Black, R. E. (1993). The determinants of use of maternal and child health services in Metro Cebu, the Philippines. PubMed, 3(1), 77–89. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10148799
  • Bonnet, M. (1993). Child labor in Africa. International Labour Review, 132(3), 371–389. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ470056
  • Canty, J., Stubbe, M., Steers, D., & Collings, S. (2014). The Trouble with Bullying – Deconstructing the Conventional Definition of Bullying for a Child‐centred Investigation into Children’s Use of Social Media. Children & Society, 30(1), 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12103
  • Dantzler, P. A., & Reynolds, A. D. (2020). Making our way home: Housing policy, racial capitalism, and reparations. Journal of World-Systems Research, 26(2), 155-167. https://doi.org/10.5195/jwsr.2020.1008
  • Kandirikirira, N. (2002). Deconstructing domination: gender disempowerment and the legacy of colonialism and apartheid in Omaheke, Namibia in Cleaver (ed.) Masculinities matter!: men, gender and development
  • Kebebew, A. (1998). Statistics on Child Labour: A Brief Report. Bulletin of Labour Statistics, 3.
  • Kousar, A., Akhtar, S., Shazad, F., Asma, S., Akhter, N., Nighat, S., (2005). Causes and Consequences of Child Labour in Carpet Weaving Industries; Journal of Agriculture & Social Sciences;1813–2235/2005/01–1–58–59
  • Mayer, Gerald (2013). Child Labour in America: History, Policy, and Legislative Issues. Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.govRL31501
  • Mitra, D. N. (2020). Is there a culture of child labor? The Decision-Making Process of Working among Girl Beedi Rollers in Jhalda region of Purulia, West Bengal. In Springer eBooks (pp. 83– 109). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3106-4_4

Cite this article

    CHICAGO : Raza, Faiza Ali, and Nailah Riaz. 2023. "Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America." Global Sociological Review, VIII (I): 427-432 doi: 10.31703/gsr.2023(VIII-I).42
    HARVARD : RAZA, F. A. & RIAZ, N. 2023. Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America. Global Sociological Review, VIII, 427-432.
    MHRA : Raza, Faiza Ali, and Nailah Riaz. 2023. "Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America." Global Sociological Review, VIII: 427-432
    MLA : Raza, Faiza Ali, and Nailah Riaz. "Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America." Global Sociological Review, VIII.I (2023): 427-432 Print.
    OXFORD : Raza, Faiza Ali and Riaz, Nailah (2023), "Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America", Global Sociological Review, VIII (I), 427-432
    TURABIAN : Raza, Faiza Ali, and Nailah Riaz. "Deconstructing the Socialization of Female Child in Filter's Child Labor in America." Global Sociological Review VIII, no. I (2023): 427-432. https://doi.org/10.31703/gsr.2023(VIII-I).42