Suchergebnisse

Literaturangaben

ABSTRACTRecent literature concerning work in the lives of children raises several contentious issues. This contribution starts with issues arising from conceptualizations of childhood: we need to understand the continuities between the various stages of childhood and the adult world, and see children as active agents in their own development. The article discusses discourse and terminology surrounding children's work; children's rights and their relationship with fundamental human rights; the relationship between work and school; and briefly the relationship between children's work and poverty. It questions whether discourse on 'abolishing child labour' works in the children's interests.

Current international child labour policies emphasise removing children from work rather than improving their well‐being. Prohibited 'child labour' extends beyond work shown to be harmful, and work in poorer, majority‐world societies is particularly targeted. These policies ignore benefits that children can gain from work, and have been developed largely without the involvement of the children, families and communities most concerned, limiting chances of successful outcomes. This paper argues for alternative approaches, developed in collaboration with children and their communities, focussing on children's well‐being and development, and protecting children from harm and exploitation while allowing them to benefit from appropriate work.