Discussion Questions

• Each Example in Stolen Childhoods is very different. What do you see as common themes in each country shown?
• Is child labor appropriate in some situations?
• What elements of childhood are we attempting to protect when we regulate child labor? How do the rights of a child differ from general human rights?
• Can child labor benefit children?
• Governmental actors often claim to be making strides to end 'the worst forms of child labor.' What jobs would you put into the 'worst forms' category? Are there examples of the 'best forms' of child labor? How do we rank the many positions children take as work?
• Are certain governmental systems better suited in avoiding child labor then others?
• What standards of age and employment should be used to regulate child labor?
• The reading on child labor emphasizes local complexities. What specific regional factors should be considered when creating child labor policies?
• Should international laws regarding child labor be proportional to the level of poverty?
• Does the system of 'volunteer' grocery packers in Tijuana, Mexico work? Does it give earning potential to children without violating their rights?
• How does education effect child labor?
• Why don't consumers choose fair trade products?
• Which approach is better? Stop child labor at its source: reduce poverty, improve access to education, and end gendered oppression. Stop child labor through social action: call attention to companies and countries that exploit children, boycott companies that use child labor, and support legislation that deters the use of child labor.