Re‐assessing minimum‐age standards for children's work
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
ISSN: 0144-333X
Article publication date: 24 April 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to call for re‐thinking of the universal minimum‐age approach to problems of child labour.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors point out that there has been no serious policy analysis on universal minimum‐age approaches, and question common assumptions concerning such policies by reviewing available knowledge on the impact of work on children.
Findings
Available research does not support a presumption that blanket minimum‐age laws are beneficial. In some cases, it is clear that they are injurious to children, underlining the need for systematic policy analysis.
Practical implications
The promotion of universalized minimum‐age policies should cease until their effect on children has been reliably assessed. In the meantime, more energy and investment should be devoted to alternative, proven ways of combating forms and conditions of work that are genuinely likely to cause harm, and to promoting access to education.
Originality/value
This paper contributes towards introducing more appropriate policy on children's work.
Keywords
Citation
Bourdillon, M.F.C., White, B. and Myers, W.E. (2009), "Re‐assessing minimum‐age standards for children's work", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 29 No. 3/4, pp. 106-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330910947480
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited