The Policy Analysis of Child Labor

This work examines the conditions which lead to child labour in four countries, using the findings to recommend a policy approach toward its eradication. Although Bolivia, Colombia, Ivory Coast and the Philippines posess different economic and social settings, data on the determinants of child labour are strikingly consistent. The researchers found that many children's days involve both work and schooling, and they conclude that many of the current policy approaches, such as bans on child labour, are not optimal because they view child work and schooling as mutually exclusive alternatives. Instead, a gradual policy approach in two phases would be more effective. This policy would begin by increasing legal and social protection for working children and adding school time to child work routines. In the second phase, when parents' income constraints have been lessened, the policy would shift the work school combination toward schooling only. Their policy also calls for joint provision of support to home enterprises and enrollment incentives especially for girls.