Human Goods

IRIN recently reported on the International Labor Organization’s study of child labor in Pakistan’s bangle industry.  According to the study, children must hunch over hot stoves for average 12-hour days in order to produce glass bangles.

Pakistan’s Federal Bureau of Statistics claims 3.3 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are currently involved in the industry.

IRIN quoted Fazila Gulrez, national manager of promotions for the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, arguing that educating children in the workplace is not the solution to the problem.  She added:

The notion that poverty is a cause is inaccurate.  In fact child labor itself leads to poverty and creates a vicious circle…  The high drop-out rate from schools with 50 percent leaving education within the first 5 years of primary education also contributes to child labor.

Child participation in the industry provokes ethical dilemmas across the board.  For student Raheela Abbas, exposure to the plight of children and their working conditions caused her to renounce wearing bangles altogether.

But it’s important to understand the broader picture as well.  These children, like most others in their families, are working in deplorable conditions because they have no other options.  Boycotting something that is repulsive is often an attractive option, but it’s also necessary to take into account the repercussions if the industry’s overall economy takes a hit.

So …  What DO you do?  Human Goods appreciates your comments.

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