Human rights are one of the fundamental rights accorded to every person across the world. Unfortunately, there are many instances where such rights are not respected. Child labor is one of the many ways in which if these rights are not respected and thus scholars have come up with theories, to analyze the concept and offer recommendations that can be used to observe and guarantee these rights. In that aspect consequential analysis theory emerges as an avenue to guide these discrepancies and build upon the essence of child labor. Therefore, this paper will look at such theories with a specific focus on utilitarianism as a key concept in understanding child labor in developing countries. In addition, the case will explore how child labor is a
…show more content…
While children are helping their families to gain income and improve their financial status, they miss on opportunities like education, proper health, sanitation, freedom from exploitation and many other rights. In order to fight the issue of forced labor in children, there are a number of steps outlined in the case. Most of these measures have to do with social responsibilities across the societal levels mentioned elsewhere in this analysis. To begin with, there is the company social responsibility. The firms must recognize the need to develop their capacity. This means they have to come up with ways that will help the children gain life skills. This is because if they send them off, they will most probably end up in the streets and thus a redundancy. According to Martha Nichols, most children working in international firms would rather stay working as they view the work place as a better option. This is because they get housing, a small pay that feeds their siblings and a chance to get education after work. However, the most ethical thing for the companies to do, is to raise minimum wages for the laborers. That way, families will be in a position to afford their own expenses and not necessarily rely on children’s financial input (Kline, …show more content…
This by educating the society on children rights as well as showing how education is the key to success (Rolnick, 2000).
It is also important to note that Countries like Pakistan have also shown their input in fighting the issue by outsourcing laws from the United States that holds the media accountable and also governs companies’ operations. They have also reformed and changed their constitution such that it now gives the children a right to basic education. Ethically this is the best possible reform the nation could make. Conclusion In conclusion, understanding child labor and its effects through judgments of morals and analysis of the good and bad from the utilitarian theory, it is beyond doubt that it’s important for everyone to understand that it is their social responsibility to protect the rights of children especially in relation to forced labor. As the notion that ‘the end justifies the means” is common in utilitarianism, we should be careful not to go astray from good
While children are helping their families to gain income and improve their financial status, they miss on opportunities like education, proper health, sanitation, freedom from exploitation and many other rights. In order to fight the issue of forced labor in children, there are a number of steps outlined in the case. Most of these measures have to do with social responsibilities across the societal levels mentioned elsewhere in this analysis. To begin with, there is the company social responsibility. The firms must recognize the need to develop their capacity. This means they have to come up with ways that will help the children gain life skills. This is because if they send them off, they will most probably end up in the streets and thus a redundancy. According to Martha Nichols, most children working in international firms would rather stay working as they view the work place as a better option. This is because they get housing, a small pay that feeds their siblings and a chance to get education after work. However, the most ethical thing for the companies to do, is to raise minimum wages for the laborers. That way, families will be in a position to afford their own expenses and not necessarily rely on children’s financial input (Kline, …show more content…
This by educating the society on children rights as well as showing how education is the key to success (Rolnick, 2000).
It is also important to note that Countries like Pakistan have also shown their input in fighting the issue by outsourcing laws from the United States that holds the media accountable and also governs companies’ operations. They have also reformed and changed their constitution such that it now gives the children a right to basic education. Ethically this is the best possible reform the nation could make. Conclusion In conclusion, understanding child labor and its effects through judgments of morals and analysis of the good and bad from the utilitarian theory, it is beyond doubt that it’s important for everyone to understand that it is their social responsibility to protect the rights of children especially in relation to forced labor. As the notion that ‘the end justifies the means” is common in utilitarianism, we should be careful not to go astray from good