The worst forms of child labor in Türkiye: Assessing progress using 2012 and 2019 child labor surveys

Abstract

Child labor in Türkiye is a significant socioeconomic problem with enduring negative effects in the short- and long-term. Child labor entails engaging children in tasks that deprive them of their rightful childhood experiences, hinder their access to education, and pose detrimental effects on their mental, physical, social, and moral well-being. It encompasses situations where children are often compelled to work in roles unsuitable for their age group. During the mid-19th century Industrial Revolution, child labor became increasingly apparent as children were attracted to industrial settings. The relationship between the Industrial Revolution and child labor is a noteworthy historical phenomenon that underscores the exploitation of children in the early stages of industrialization. As industrialization swept across Europe and later other parts of the world, it brought about profound changes in economic and social structures. Factories emerged as centers of production, powered by new technologies and machinery. During this period, the demand for labor in factories and mines soared, leading to a significant influx of workers, including children, into urban industrial centers. Child labor became increasingly prevalent as employers sought to maximize profits by employing cheap and easily exploitable labor. Children were viewed as particularly desirable workers due to their small size, nimble fingers, and ability to perform tasks that required dexterity. Young children, as young as five or six years old, were frequently hired in factories, mills, and mines, often enduring extended shifts in unsafe environments. They were subjected to grueling labor, exposed to dangerous machinery, and deprived of basic rights and protections. Their wages were meager, and they often faced physical abuse and neglect. The exploitation of child labor during the Industrial Revolution was fueled by several factors. Poverty was rampant among working-class families, pushing households for sending children to work in order to bolster household income. Additionally, the rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization disrupted traditional family structures and social norms, leading to the breakdown of traditional forms of child-rearing and supervision. Moreover, the lack of effective labor regulations and enforcement mechanisms allowed employers to exploit child labor with impunity. In many cases, children worked in conditions that were detrimental to their health, development, and well-being, without access to education or opportunities for social mobility. The plight of child laborers during the Industrial Revolution sparked widespread social reform movements and calls for legislative action to protect children's rights. Over time, concerted efforts were made to enact laws and regulations with the goal of restricting child labor, enhancing conditions of work and expanding access to education. While the relationship between the Industrial Revolution and child labor is rooted in historical context, its legacy continues to resonate today. Child labor is also related to situations where families face economic hardship or poverty. When families struggle to meet their basic needs, they might view children as a way to add to the family's earnings. In many cases, children are sent to work out of necessity rather than choice, as their earnings may be crucial for the family's survival. Factors such as lack of access to education, social protection, and adequate employment opportunities can exacerbate the likelihood of child labor. Deprived of adequate educational opportunities, children may not have the opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge that would enable them to secure better-paying jobs in the future. Additionally, the lack of efficient social safety nets exposes families to economic instability, heightening the probability of turning to child labor as a means of dealing with hardships. In some instances, cultural norms and societal attitudes may also contribute to the perpetuation of child labor. In communities where child labor is normalized or where children's contributions to household income are undervalued, families may be more inclined to engage their children in work from a young age. Additionally, globalization and the expansion of informal economies can create conditions conducive to child labor. In industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and household labor, where informal employment is common, and labor regulations are frequently ignored, children could be especially susceptible to exploitation and mistreatment. Overall, child labor is a complex phenomenon influenced by a myriad of economic, social, cultural, and institutional factors. Combating child labor necessitates a comprehensive strategy that addresses its underlying drivers, such as poverty, limited access to education, insufficient social safeguards, and lax enforcement of labor regulations. By tackling these fundamental issues, communities can establish environments that shield children from exploitation and enable them to flourish and realize their capabilities. On the other hand, the problem of the worst forms of child labor, which is aimed to be eliminated, is also an issue of great importance and requires urgent intervention. The term "worst forms of child labor" denotes the most severe and harmful instances of child exploitation, as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. These encompass various types of work that pose significant risks to the health, safety, and overall well-being of children. Examples include hazardous labor, where children are exposed to physical dangers such as operating dangerous machinery or working in unsafe environments like mines or construction sites. Forced labor is another form where children are coerced or deceived into work against their will, often through debt bondage or trafficking. Furthermore, children could fall victim to commercial sexual exploitation, experiencing prostitution, pornography, or other types of sexual abuse in exchange for financial profit. Child trafficking encompasses the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of children for the purpose of exploitation while involving children in illegal activities exposes them to dangers related to drug trafficking, smuggling, or armed conflict. These practices violate children's fundamental rights and are prohibited under international law. Tackling the worst forms of child labor requires a multifaceted approach, tackling underlying factors such as poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate legal protections. Strategies may include legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, social support initiatives, and targeted interventions to assist vulnerable children and families. By confronting the underlying causes and effects of child labor, societies can strive towards creating safer and more equitable environments for children to thrive. This study aims to delve into this multifaceted problem, presenting a comprehensive analysis with dual objectives. Firstly, it seeks to meticulously evaluate Türkiye's progress leading up to 2019, adhering to the objectives outlined in national development programs aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labor by 2023. This evaluation serves as a critical benchmark, shedding light on the efficacy of existing policies and initiatives in combating child labor within the nation. Secondly, this study endeavors to empirically scrutinize the intricate web of factors that underpin the worst forms of child labor, employing a gender-disaggregated approach. By meticulously analyzing nationally representative survey data from 2012 and 2019, the research aims to discern nuanced patterns and dynamics that contribute to the prevalence of child labor, particularly focusing on gender differentials. Through this lens, the study seeks to unravel the underlying drivers of child labor and provide different insights for policymakers. In this study, the methodological approach involves analyzing data from the TUIK Child Labor Survey conducted in Türkiye in 2012 and 2019. The main emphasis is on the occurrence and factors influencing the worst forms of child labor in Türkiye. To achieve this, a logit model is employed to statistically analyze the relationship between various socio-economic factors and the likelihood of children engaging in hazardous labor, forced labor, or other forms of exploitative work. By using the logit model, the study aims to identify significant predictors of child labor and evaluate the effectiveness of Türkiye's efforts to combat this pressing issue. This methodological framework allows for a rigorous examination of the underlying factors contributing to the persistence of child labor. In essence, this study represents a pivotal stride towards comprehensively understanding the determinants of the worst forms of child labor in Türkiye, while concurrently evaluating the nation's progress in addressing this pressing issue. The empirical findings unearth critical revelations, underscoring the imperative need for Türkiye to fortify its child labor policies and craft more robust intervention strategies. Moreover, the findings illuminate the pervasive gender disparities inherent within the realm of child labor, highlighting the disproportionate vulnerabilities faced by boys, who frequently face exploitative work environments and extended work hours. Furthermore, the study discerns a strong correlation between educational attainment and the likelihood of children engaging in the worst forms of child labor, emphasizing the pivotal role of education as a deterrent. In summary, this research's findings emphasize the urgent need to tackle the underlying reasons for child labor and promote an environment where children can flourish without being exploited. Moving forward, concerted efforts must be directed towards bolstering educational infrastructure, mitigating gender disparities, enacting stringent measures, and fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and international organizations to eliminate child labor in every manifestation, thereby ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for Türkiye's youth.