Paths To Participatory Autonomy

Abstract

This article examines the experiences of working children aged between 9 and 14 years in a German city, and the meanings the children ascribe to their work. This qualitative study is based upon a broad concept of work, which includes both unpaid and paid work. As far as work is concerned, the most important thing for children is being able to act independently and find approval for their work. They prefer to receive adequate payment as a form of recognition, but money is not a necessary motive nor the only motive for working. Children's attitude towards their work differs according to a number of factors: whether it offers the opportunity to perform their skills; the concrete use it has for others, and how far that work is appreciated by adults in their social environment. Work is not regarded as being in competition with school, but is seen as an additional opportunity for children to gain new experiences and expand their scope of activities. Work experience can become an important element in children's participative autonomy. Thus it can potentially strengthen their social status and encourage girls and boys to play an active role in society.

The state of child labor protections in 193 countries: Are countries living up to their international commitments?

“…Their earnings can increase household income (Bourdillon, 2000;Cortez et al, 2007;O'Donnell et al, 2005), and can be used to help cover the costs of education (Islam and Choe, 2013;Maconachie and Hilson, 2016). Work by youth can help them develop skills that are useful later in life (Baker and Hinton, 2001;Bey, 2003;Hungerland et al, 2007;Zepeda and Kim, 2006), and develop youth's social agency through increased autonomy and participation (Khan et al, 2007;Liebel, 2003;Rubenson et al, 2004).…”