Views and OpinionsDepending on their situations many people have different views about fair trade and labour.
Factors such as financial situation and ethical awareness affect these opinions. Many people argue that child labour is unethical, as childhood should be nurtured and cared for. And is an infringement of development and progress. Many dispute and protest child labour is advantageous to third world countries. The children in these situations must provide for their families as their parents are unable to or are already working. A steady income contributes to economic growth and breaks the poverty cycle. |
ManufactuersManufacturers provide jobs, investment and training of a country and its workers. Without employment would be worse off and be unable to provide for themselves and family.
Every company must comply to an ethical sourcing supply that requires to adhere to legal minimum or an industry standard pay. This usually means that workers would not be paid enough to cover basic needs if the legal minimum is insufficient payment. |
WorkersWorkers in most electronic factories are often subjected to dangerous chemicals and fumes. They are often not given enough protection and are left with health issues, paralysis and disease such as tuberculosis and leukaemia.
These workers have no choice to work in these factories as they must make a living to provide for families. |
ConsumersThe average consumer is not usually educated on how and where their products are produced. Consumers have a reasonable amount of power as they can chose what products to purchase and organisations to support.
Consumers want the best and most inexpensive products. If consumers were more educated on this issue, they can make an informed decision and therefore influence and lives. |
Recruitment AgentThe Recruitment agency is employed by the manufacturer. Their earnings are calculated by the recruits they hire and therefore hire as many people as possible.
These agencies usually target poorer people as they are more desperate to work. Excessive fees are charged by these organisations when workers sign their contracts. These fees cause these workers to be in debt and therefore force them to work indefinitely. |
First World Countries Third World Countries
Many westernised nations strongly oppose exploitation and child labour as they believe it is immoral and unethical. They believe that children have the right to enjoy their youth and have and education.
Child labour contributes to the vicious cycle of poverty. As children are employed for less therefore driving adults out of the labour workforce. Opposers think that it is completely inhumane and a violation of human rights. Although child labour may seem practical to third world countries, it is definitely not beneficial to the child in the view of first world countries. |
Many third world countries believe child labour is acceptable and a necessary way of life. It is argued that child labour is necessary in a developing nation.
Some believe it is naive of western cultures to apply their standards to other cultures and countries, if a child cannot work it may result in the child or even their family being worse off. Many children involved in child labour, must work to sustain themselves and if they can not find a formal job they may have to result to manual labour. Child labour is becoming more widespread in third world countries as it contributes to the country's economy. |