Additional Readings
Abernethie, L. (1998). Child labour in contemporary society: Why do we care? The
International Journal of Children’s Rights, 6, 81–114.
The article outlines increases in public opinion about international child labour
issues. Starting in the 1970’s and moving forward the author highlights
differences between legitimate and illegitimate forms of acceptable childhood
activities.
Blagbrough, J. (2008). Child domestic labour: A modern form of slavery. Children
and Society, 22, p. 179-190.
This article addresses the myths behind domestic child workers and
attempts to shed light on the truth of the situation. Authors call for a change
in societal attitudes in response to on-going practices of child labour.
Cullen, H. (1999). The limits of international trade mechanisms in enforcing human
rights: The case of child labour. The International Journal of Children’s Rights, 7,
1-29.
This article outlines the proposed Child Labour Deterrence Act that the United
States has been debating adaptation of trade sanctions as political means to push
its trading partners toward child labour elimination. It also highlights the
arguments against such trade sanctions, as being in violation of GATT and creates
environments that underscore the ideals. The authors present a number of trade
mechanisms, weighing the positives and negatives of these proposals.
Glind, H. V. D., & Kooijmans, J. (2008). Modern-day child slavery. Children & Society,
22, 150-166.
This article highlights the lack of reliable statistical research in child labour,
pointing out the many forms of slavery, as well as the ways in which children
are drawn into slavery. The authors also propose how various governmental and
nonprofit organizations could respond to issues facing child labour.
Edmonds, E., & Pavcnik, N. (2002). ‘Does Globalization Increase Child Labor? Evidence
from Vietnam’, Working paper No. 8760, National Bureau of Economic
Research, Cambridge: MA.
Edmonds & Pavcnik present an argument that with increases in goods sold, and
value of products, specifically rice, will lead to decreases in child labour
incidents. They further argue that instituting trade sanctions in an attempt to stem
child labour practices may actually be counter productive to the ultimate goal.
Edmonds, E., & Pavcnik, N. (2006). International trade and child labor: Cross-country
evidence. Journal of International Economics, 68, 115-140.
The authors summarize their findings from the relationship between open trading
markets and child labour practices. Their findings suggest that countries with
more international trade and high value of goods sold, exhibit lower incidents of
child labour. They also stress that this generalized finding does not apply to all
situations, as other factors could be influencing the presence of child labour.
Edmonds, E., & Pavcnik, N. (2003). The effect of trade liberalization on child labor.
Journal of International Economics, 65(2), 401-419.
In a similar study to Article 3, this paper looks at opening trading opportunities
with countries that have suspect child labour practices in an attempt to deter the
practice. Using panel conversations with local individuals, conclusive comments
are drawn around the notion that sanctions against such counties in violation of
child labour laws may not be the best course of action.
Myers, W. E. (2001). The right rights? Child labor in a globalizing world. American
Academy of Political and Social Science, 575, 38-55.
This article touches on the conditions of development of child labour laws; more
so the countries and ideals that dominate the current legislation. Western and
European beliefs have been core to the establishment of the rules in place,
limiting the inputs and opinions from other invested parties. The paper highlights
key findings and messages from the three major international conferences that
have been held around the rights of the child.
Panjabi, R. K. L. (2009). Sacrificial lambs of globalization: Child labor in the twenty-first
century. Denver Journal of International Law and Policy, 37(3), 421-464.
This article gives a widespread overview of the practice of child labour. Touching
on the international rules, lack of enforcement, and reasons behind the using of
child workers, Panjabi illustrates many aspects of the problem. The paper calls for
greater awareness at the public ad governmental levels, as well as stronger moral
calls for child worker abolishment.
Santo, J. A. D., Bowling, J. M., & Harris, T. A. (2010). Effects of work permits on illegal
employment among youth workers. Findings of a school-based survey on
child labor violations. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 635-637.
This article looks at a North American example of child labour, in examining
students under 18 years of age in North Carolina. Individuals under the age of 18
are required to obtain work permits, which limit hours and hazards that the worker
may be exposed to. Through self-reported data, a number of violations in State
legislation were found, resulting the author’s call for stricter enforcement of
current rules.
White, B. (1996). Globalization and the child labour problem. Journal of International
Development, 8(6), 829-839.
This article provides an overview of globalization and its implications on
children’s lives, as well as public opinions. The paper also calls for a change
in focus from an attitude of punishment and trading sanctions to one of
empowerment and preventing the abuse of child workers.