Globalization's Effect on Child Labor in the Indian Apparel Industry (2009)

Undergraduate: Ariana Lucido

Faculty Advisor: Thomas Oatley
Department: Biology

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Now that human trading activity is large, global and energy intensive, a sharper understanding of natural principles of energy balance in the daily give and take of transactions is becoming necessary. The vision of Smith's Wealth of Nations depends on a marketplace in balance with the social and natural sustainability of the human community, whose endeavors are part of the natural landscape. Regardless to say, much work needs to be done in this area at academic, practitioner and government levels. We need to publicly expose the organizations and governments alike who are more interested in making a short-term or even immediate profit. Future research also needs to document and share the real life stories of children and even parents who are forced to send their children to work. Caution, however, should be taken as this is a fragile, sensitive issue and hence only experienced (not to mention objective and unbiased) individuals and organizations should be talking to the victims of child labor. Thus, it is possible that in the absence of government programs to assist children, the precipitous dismissal of child workers can endanger, rather than protect them. More research is needed so that governments, industry, international organizations, and others concerned with the welfare of children are better equipped to design appropriate programs. It is clear, however, that local and national commitments to universal and free education for children are immediate and positive steps.