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Business Presentation and Social Responsibility

Contents Introduction	3 Discussion	3 Evaluation of Sources	5 Recommendations	5 References	6

Business Presentation and Social Responsibility Introduction

Child labor is an ever-increasing problem in several nations. More importantly, most of the offenses of child labor are reported in the Third World countries such as Pakistan. Throughout the developing countries, children are made to work in terrible conditions or sweatshops with little or no pay for very long hours. Child labor is a complicated issue and a situation that needs deep understanding for it to be adequately addressed. As such, to understand child labor offense, one needs to address some underlying issues. First, it is vital to discuss the reasons for opposing and supporting child labor. Then, it is of importance to treat the effects of child labor on the economies of the developing countries as well as the children themselves. Finally, one needs to discuss the strategies that are in place to address the issues of child labor. Discussion Child labor is defined as engaging children under the age of 14 in full-time work in conditions that are damaging to moral development, education, and health for pay or no pay (Bhuku, 2015). Proponents of child labor argue that children are efficient at semi-skilled and unskilled tasks. As a result, they are hired for employment because of their low cost of wage and high return (Baland & James, 2016). Additionally, it is argued that the developed countries formulate child labor standards. As such, it would be naïve for them to apply their rules to other cultures and nations. As a consequence, developed countries ought to respect the local customs and cultures of other nations. Furthermore, child labor is as a result of poverty. In particular, poor households are in need of money, and the children can earn this. In fact, some families depend on the earnings of their children for survival (Baland & James, 2016). Finally, developing countries argue that ending child labor does not guarantee improved living standards of the child. In fact, children need to work to sustain life, and therefore since they cannot be employed in the legal and formal sectors, they have to seek employment in the informal sector. Besides, if these children do not find jobs in the informal industries, then they will be forced into prostitution, drug use, and other dangers of life. Concisely, developing countries feel that child labor is necessary as a means of protecting children from social ills (Baland & James, 2016). On the contrary developed nations strongly oppose the practice of child abuse. First and foremost, child abuse is viewed as exploitation of the child, which is not only unethical but also immoral (Humfreys, 2015). For this reason, developed countries have stringent laws that protect their children from exploitation in both informal and formal sectors. Also, developed countries oppose child labor on the ground that childhood is a period that should be devoted to education and training and not work. Through education and training, they acquire skills that enable them to get better pay in the formal sectors once they attain employment age. Finally, opponents of child abuse argue that children have a right to enjoy their state and their youth stage. Hence, compelling them to work in unfavorable conditions for long hours is against the children’s rights. Furthermore, even if it was right for them to work, they are paid less than the adults and thus do not enjoy working during their youth. This constitutes exploitation (Humfreys, 2015). Eventually, child labor significantly affects the child. Primarily, working children are associated with growth deficits. In addition, Emerson and Andre (2013) show that working at a tender age in hazardous environments exposes children to biological and chemical hazards, which significantly affects the health of the child as well. Evaluation of Sources The sources used in this report are current since they are published in the 21st century thus address current issues relating to child labor. As well, the sources are reliable by referring to other sources and providing lists of references. As regards the authority of the sources, the authors are qualified in the field of economics and therefore offer in-depth knowledge grounded in experience. Elsewhere, the sources are purposeful since the authors blend both opinions and facts in the articulation of issues relating to child labor. Recommendations Based on the contrasting views about child labor I would offer the following recommendations. First, the problem of child labor cannot be stopped by prohibiting the hiring of persons less than 14 years since the fundamentals of the labor market are complex. Preferably, companies that outsource goods and services should absorb excess labor and subsequently increase minimum wages. Consequently, families will not require their children to work. Besides, they can afford the education for their children, which will, in turn, improve productivity through the acquisition of skills and experience. Next, owning a famous brand is a priceless asset that must be protected at all costs. It is, therefore, necessary to not only conduct businesses responsibly but also ethically and legally. This standard should apply to both company-owned stores and corporate firms in the developing world. In precision, handling the issue of child labor calls for the development of long-term innovative and strategic solutions. For instance, instead of forcing corporate companies in developing countries to discharge children below 14 years, the youths can be allowed to work during holidays and be paid benefits while they attend school. With the hope that they will be offered employment upon attaining minimum employment age, the children will be dedicated in school, gain skills, which will improve productivity. References Baland, J., & James, A. (2016). Is child labor inefficient? Journal of Political Economy, 108(3), 663-679. Basu, K., & Homa, Z. (2017). Is product boycott a good idea for controlling child labor? A theoretical investigation. Journal of Developmental Economics, 88(2), 217-220. Bhuku, A. (2015). Defining Child labor. Journal of Development in Practice, 18(7), 385-394. Emerson, P., & Andre, P. (2013). Is child labor harmful? The impact of working earlier in life on adult earnings. Journal of Economic Development and Cultural Change, 59(2), 345-385. Humfreys, J. (2015). The exploitation of little children: Child labor and the family economy. Explorations in Economic History, 32, 485-516.