The Globalization of Child Labor

1511 Words4 Pages

Globalization of an idea or practice can be very beneficial worldwide, but globalization can also effect countries and people negatively. Child labor was once an immense issue in the United States; however, we now have laws protecting children from dangerous working conditions. Unfortunately, children in countries like India and Africa are still falling victim to harsh working conditions. These developing nations have the same problem that the United States had years ago; children are working long hours with little pay and are working in very dangerous environments. India and Africa have industries that are growing rapidly, but because these nations are so poor, they have to rely on children to do most of the work because it is the most cost effective option. Numerous activist groups worldwide have tried fighting child labor by starting workers unions and providing poor families with a source of income, but children are still being exploited. Child labor is unacceptable; instances of it can be minimized by enforcing labor laws more strictly, making children get an education, and moving the production of goods away from youth employment.
Between the years of 1876 and the early 1900’s, the United States experienced a period known as the Rise of Industrial America. The United States was the first industrial powerhouse worldwide. From an article in Eastern Illinois University, electrical power was being used heavily for the first time and the use of railroads spread drastically. This industrial growth period meant more jobs, more money, and it created a new type of class in America. There was now a wealthy business man class to go along with the typical middle and lower classes. This era also brought along the rise of the bl...

... middle of paper ...

...n Expected." BBC News. BBC, 28 Feb. 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. .
McDougall, Dan. "Indian 'slave' Children Found Making Low-cost Clothes Destined for Gap." The Observer. Guardian News and Media, 28 Oct. 2007. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. .
Rich, Cindy. "Childhood Lost: Child Labor During The Industrial Revolution." Childhood Lost. Illinois Board of Higher Education, 11 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. .
Stolen Childhoods. Dir. Len Morris and Roberto Romano. Perf. Tom Harkin and Meryl Streep. Galen Films, 2005. Videocassette.
Zainaldin, Jamil S., and John C. Insco. "Progressive Era." New Georgia Encyclopedia. NGE Staff, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 09 Mar. 2014. .

More about The Globalization of Child Labor

Open Document