Child Labor Helps Many

Child Labor Helps Many

     While reading chapter 32 of Walter Blocks novel Defeating the undefeatable it had discussed child labor. There are many child labor laws in place in order to keep children safe from extensive and harmful treatment from employer. Block made the point that children are working for what seems like an extremely small wage. Sweatshops are generally located in very poor communities in order to maximize profit for the employer by paying less to their worker. They are able to do this because they minimum wage in these areas are much lower than those in more prosperous countries. Block makes it clear that in these countries this small wage is grand and cherished.

            With some research I had come across a very interesting article about child labor. It discussed how a couple was on vacation in Thailand and had met a young lady the age of 15. They had begun chatting and they had discovered that she was working in a sweatshop for only $2 dollars a day. Although, this may have shocked the couple, they added that it work was dangerous. They became very worried and wanted to help the girl. Although what they did not realize at the time, but learned as they became better acquaintances that this job may have saved her life. The young girl claims that if she was not employed she would probably being living on the street, addicted to drugs, and involved in prostitution. She is very grateful for the opportunity that was given to her and even said the money was generous. She has dreams now and is able to support not only herself but her family as well.

This unseen idea is very intriguing. The outside world would view sweatshops and child labor as a repulsive and unorthodox facility. These people do not recognize the opportunities that these sweatshops are giving many individuals. Although the article I found agrees somewhat with what Block had discussed in his novel, it made the point to acknowledge that the working industry in these poor countries are almost inexistent and without these factories, these country could very well be worst off.