Child Labor

Child labor involves the employment of children in any sort of work that exceeds the normal chores and tasks that most children perform around the house. Child labor is seen as a negative, harmful practice insofar as it deprives children of their childhood and interferes with their ability to attend school. While child labor is generally [Page 336]considered to be that which is mentally, physically, socially, or morally damaging, dangerous, and destructive, there are exceptions to this. These exceptions include child performers—such as actors, musicians, dancers, and artists—who are seen as honing their talents; farm children; and children from specific cultures where such work is the norm, such as the Amish and members of some tribal nations. Child labor can indeed reduce the costs of ...