Comprehensive Analysis of Chinese Child Labor Status quo with Assessment of Maneuverability

Abstract

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), child labor directly indicates work inequality. Mainstream opinions towards this issue argue that underage labor participation is detrimental to the educational development of child workers. Their indispensable vulnerability, especially in highly intensive workplaces, places a greater possibility for injuries, disabilities, and even casualties. The essay contrives points through close-up observation of the Chinese society and governmental system by examining multiple measurements, documents, and phenomena. Placing too much attention on economic development, the central government of China inevitably falls short of the experience of child labor regulations. Legal and regulatory documents pertinent to this topic are still at the phase of literal recognition, instead of solid and feasible clauses meticulously designed for employment management. Private sectors, along with the specialized institutions for underage prospective workers, have been cooperating to jointly suppress adolescents by misinterpreting child labor regulations. Additionally, labor education and internship receive heated debates throughout the years, for some companies are taking advantage of this policy to circumvent punishment for employing child laborers. Participants of the programs are forced to work overtime under hazardous conditions, with only the minimum wage income or a null return several treaties for internship unilaterally deprive their rights for returns. Insufficient awareness of both the low-income parents and the overall society is probably to blame for forming and sustaining the operation of such a system.