Child labor formation and the social and occupational health issues they face: a sociological study based on the Jaffna district

Abstract

Child labor is seen as a major social problem in the modern society. This problem is a global problem that is linked to poverty, limited education, gender, equality and various health issues (UNICEF, 2013). Child labor is a vulnerable group. Child labor is caused by family economic responsibilities and social impacts. The effectiveness of measures against child labor is also low. The health and occupational safety of child labor can have a number of negative consequences. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the number of child laborers in the informal industry is high. In that sense, this study is a characteristic study of the formation of child labor in the Jaffna district and the social and occupational health problems they face. Secondary data were collected through textbooks, journals, government reports, and Internet files, along with subject analysis, in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and direct observation to collect characteristic data. The collected characteristic data are analyzed by thematic analysis. In that regard, parental disability, permanent parental unemployment and family poverty are the main factors in the formation of child labor and discrimination and exclusion have been identified as social problems. Occupational health problems have found that these young workers are exposed to physical harm in their workplace, such as physical injuries and illness, as well as psychological damage such as insomnia and memory loss. The life experiences of the children are invaluable. The duty to educate the children should be seen by all. We need to identify child laborers and pave the way for them to get a re-education and help their families. Education is free for everyone in our country. Children from all walks of life should be able to enjoy this boon without any hindrance. Highlighting such issues, the study examines the reasons for the formation of child labor and the social and occupational health issues they face.