The Relevance of Social Work Practice in the Management of Child Labour ( a Case Study of Children in South South)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objective of the study are;
- To examine the underlying causes and contributing factors of child labor in South South
- To analyze the specific forms and manifestations of child labor in South South
- To assess the impact of child labor on children’s well-being and development in South South
- To evaluate the existing legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Literature Review
Meaning of Child Labour
The definition of Child Labour under ILO Convention Number 138 is a child who works on all kinds of works that is physical, mentally, intellectually and morally harmful or disturbing. Children aged 12-14 are considered to be child labourers unless they perform right duties (ILO, 2002). Manpower Act Number 13 year 2003 Article 68 stated that child labour is any person under the age of 18 years. While articles 69, 70 and 71 explaining the authorizations for 13-15-year-olds are allowed to do right work as long as they do not interfere with physical, mental, and social development and health. Whereas for a child aged 15-18 years old can be employed but should not be exploited to work on the worst forms of risks to the health, safety and moracle of the child. (Article 2 years Verse 3 Kepmenakertrans Number Kep-235/men/2003 and ILO Convention Number 138 and ILO Convention Number 182).
Social facts about child labour cannot be separated from the social system where the child is located. In the theory of structural functionalism (Parson, 1951; Merton, 1974; Soepeno, 1999; Holmwood, 2005;) it was explained that society is a social system composed of interrelated parts or elements, unified in order and balance. Changes that occur in one part can cause changes to other parts. Furthermore, Merton (1974:83) and Soepeno (1999:57) elucidate that the basic assumption is that every structure in the social system is functional to the other, also dysfunction for other structures when the structure has negative consequences. Certain consequences, both functional and dysfunctional have a particular purpose and are recognized by the system element so that it is manifest (manifest function). Other unrecognized elements are latent or have latency function (George Ritzer, 2010:21; Soepeno, 1999: 79).
The concept of function, in this case, is understood as a result of changes in structure and or social institutions that can be observed toward adaptation and adjustment of social systems. While the concept of dysfunction, as well as the social structures and institutions that contribute to the preservation of social facts, these social structures and institutions can also give negative effects to the social system. The advocates of this theory argued that the object of sociological analysis based on the social fact paradigm is social roles, institutional patterns (social order), social processes, group organization, and social control (Merton 1975:25; Ritzer, 1988:97).
The social facts around child labour based on the theory of structural functionalism perspective can be explained that the social fact of child labour is an established social reality (institutionalized) relating to the existence of social structures and institutions around it. The transformation of the function of a family institution as an institution of child care into an economic institution has an impact on the emergence of child labour. In this case, the child is an element of social structure that acts as the breadwinners of the family to sustain the economic needs of the family. Therefore, functional child labour is for the family. For entrepreneurs, the existence of child is also functional, with the employment of underage children entrepreneurs benefits since the incomes paid are cheap. In place of for the child, working is functional to meet the basic needs (pocket money, clothes and entertainment purchases), it is also dysfunctional sicne the child will lose the time to learn, play, and interact with family members. Especially, if a child is exploited in his work, it can have an impact on his physical and mental health. The positive and negative impacts associated with child labourers have a particular purpose and are recognized in the social system, which is the function of the manifest. While the positive and negative effects that are not accepted by the social system (the existence of child labourers) are called latency functions.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This is the overall strategy used by the researcher in collecting and analyzing data for the purpose of investigation of problems. The methodologies used in this work are enumerated below;
Area of the Study
The South South (often hyphenated to the South-South) is one of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria representing both a geographic and political region of the country’s eastern coast. It comprises six states – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.
The zone stretches along the Atlantic seaboard from the Bight of Benin coast in the west to the Bight of Bonny coast in the east. It encloses much of the Niger Delta, which is instrumental in the environment and economic development of the region. Geographically, the zone is divided with the Central African mangroves in the coastal far south while the major inland ecoregions are–from east to west–the Cross–Sanaga–Bioko coastal forests, Cross–Niger transition forests, Niger Delta swamp forests, and Nigerian lowland forests.
Although the South South represents only ~5% of Nigerian territory, it contributes greatly to the Nigerian economy due to extensive oil and natural gas reserves. The region has a population of about 26 million people, around 12% of the total population of the country. Port Harcourt and Benin City are the most populous cities in the South South as well as the fourth and fifth most populous cities in Nigeria. Port Harcourt and its suburbs, together called Greater Port Harcourt, form the largest metropolitan area in the zone with about 3 million people; other large South-South cities include (in order by population) Warri/Uvwie, Calabar, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Ugep, Sapele, Buguma, Uromi, Ughelli, Ikom, and Asaba.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
This chapter is concerned with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data collected for the study. Firstly, it deals with personal data analyzed with frequency and simple percentage, secondly, it focuses on testing hypotheses using chi-square statistical – technique.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
The relevance of social work practice in the management of child labor is significant and plays a crucial role in addressing this pervasive issue. Social workers contribute to efforts aimed at eradicating child labor by focusing on prevention, protection, empowerment, and advocacy. Their involvement extends across multiple dimensions, emphasizing the importance of their role in creating sustainable solutions.
Social workers actively work to identify and rescue child laborers, providing immediate support and facilitating their reintegration into safe and supportive environments. Their interventions encompass addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of children affected by child labor. By engaging with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders, social workers collaborate in developing and implementing policies and programs to combat child labor effectively.
Awareness-raising campaigns and community mobilization efforts are central to social work practice, aiming to change societal attitudes and norms surrounding child labor. Social workers utilize their expertise in social justice, advocacy, and community engagement to challenge the social and cultural factors that perpetuate child labor. They promote children’s rights, education, and well-being as fundamental components of sustainable development.
The holistic and child-centered approach adopted by social work practice recognizes the interconnectedness of social factors contributing to child labor. It emphasizes the importance of not only direct interventions with children but also engaging their families, communities, and systems. This approach ensures a comprehensive response to child labor, addressing the underlying causes and providing support to children in a manner that promotes their overall well-being and development.
In summary, the relevance of social work practice in the management of child labor is vital. Social workers contribute to preventing child labor, protecting and empowering children affected by it, and advocating for their rights. Their role encompasses intervention at various levels, including individual, familial, community, and systemic, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions. By addressing the complex social, economic, and cultural factors that perpetuate child labor, social workers play a critical role in promoting the well-being and rights of children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relevance of social work practice in the management of child labor cannot be overstated. Social workers play a crucial role in addressing the root causes, protecting vulnerable children, and promoting their rights and well-being. Through their interventions, social workers contribute to the prevention of child labor, identification and rescue of child laborers, and their reintegration into safe environments. They collaborate with various stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs aimed at eradicating child labor. Additionally, social workers engage in awareness-raising and community mobilization efforts to challenge societal attitudes and norms that perpetuate child labor. By adopting a holistic and child-centered approach, social workers address the physical, psychological, and social needs of children affected by child labor and work towards sustainable solutions. Their expertise in social justice, advocacy, and community engagement is instrumental in creating a world where children are protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive. The relevance of social work practice in the management of child labor underscores the importance of collective efforts to ensure the well-being and rights of every child.
Recommendation
Based on the relevance of social work practice in the management of child labor, the following recommendations are put forth:
- Strengthen Collaboration: Foster collaboration among social workers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of interventions and programs aimed at eradicating child labor. By working together, sharing resources, and coordinating efforts, a comprehensive approach can be developed to address the multifaceted aspects of child labor.
- Invest in Education and Skill-building: Prioritize investments in education and skill-building programs for vulnerable children and their families. Providing access to quality education equips children with the necessary knowledge and skills to break the cycle of poverty and avoid engaging in child labor. Additionally, offering vocational training and livelihood opportunities to parents can improve their economic circumstances and reduce the likelihood of child labor.
- Promote Awareness and Advocacy: Conduct targeted awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harms of child labor and promote the importance of children’s rights and education. Social workers can play a critical role in advocating for policy changes, enforcing legislation, and mobilizing communities to create a supportive environment for children.
- Strengthen Child Protection Systems: Enhance child protection systems by establishing mechanisms for early identification, reporting, and intervention in cases of child labor. This includes developing protocols and training for professionals across sectors to identify signs of child labor and respond effectively, while ensuring the best interest of the child remains a primary consideration
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