Child labour

Child labour is predominantly portrayed as a major scandal in our society and there is an ongoing debate about whether it is acceptable to buy products made by children or whether this is morally reprehensible. Most people have a clear and fairly obvious opinion on this matter namely that work is generally harmful to children and should be prohibited in all forms. This book examines whether these conclusions are hasty or justified assumptions. The different points of view are critically compared. On the one hand the harmful effects of child labour and the forms of exploitation that spread as a result are highlighted. On the other hand judgements and supposed knowledge on this topic are questioned and child labour is examined from the perspective of self-determined and needs-oriented work. Since there has always been an international debate about the usefulness of banning child labour the question of whether such a regulation would be the right measure is explored. The perspective of the working children themselves and their opinions on the subject are brought to the fore.