Script+and+Reflection

media type="file" key="sociology.mp3"

I originally decided to pursue the topic of child labor and its relation to deeply-rooted cultural traditions because I had recently done an Honors Global project on child labor. I wanted to do my sociology project on something I or others of my age could relate to. And with child labor affecting millions of adolescents across the globe, this topic was perfect. The thesis  for my project is through various cultural lenses and societal traditions, child labor can take on many different forms and definitions, therefore, this social institution is socially accepted by some cultures more so than others.

The first step of this project is to find definition of child labor. I initiated this project by finding UNICEF’s definition of child labor. Then, I found where it is most prevalent and the forms it can take. Good starting sites to find general information about child labor include UNICEF’s website and Human Rights Watch. These sources have the best experts on the topic. I also found great articles in TIME magazine, the UN’s website, and through searching the library’s webpage. The TIME article I like the most was one entitled "India Under Pressure to Do More about Child Labor." This article was god because it talked about the culture of India and how the country's traditions and past laws influence their current view of child labor. These sites are dedicated to protecting the rights of children and these nongovernmental organizations are committed to helping children suffering in child labor.

An extremely great source I found that I wish I had earlier in the research presentation was an article in The Sun-Herald entitled "Cambodia's Culture of Child Labour." This source directly talked about how in some cultural societies, such as the destitute families in Cambodia, child labor is encouraged to ensure the survival of the whole family. The source also pointed out that cultures view and interprets child labor in different ways and that the idea of all child labor being hazardous stems from the modern-day West view on the meaning of childhood. The source cites Oxford anthropologist Jo Boyden as being the first person to oppose a global definition of child hood and child labor because it means different things in different countries. Therefore, one culture cannot dismiss another’s practice because they do not know enough of it to judge it.

 So, this source helped in developing my thesis the most. It helped me tie my thesis around the idea that through various cultural lenses, child labor can take on many forms and is therefore more accepted by some cultures as opposed to others. I believe that next step in the research in narrowing down the research region to Africa, India, and Cambodia (the most prevalent developing nations with child labor). I advise you to do this and to also find videos or other forms of multimedia to further delve into this topic. A great introductory book to use is Wendy Herumin's //Child Labor Today: A Human Rights Issue//.