GLOBALIZATION

Globalization makes it possible for all nations around the globe to integrate and interact with each other on an economic, cultural, political and social level of development. Basically, through this process, it allows all international goods, finances, and markets to fuse together as one--- working together. It encourages that international trade be fair, in the sense of pricing and location. Generally, it promotes prosperity and interdependence within the world. However, the big debate is that the idea is much greater than the possibility of it happening.

Globalization has also particularly played a large role in emphasizing the importance of the individual. It ensures the growth of self-expression and rights of each individual regardless of their race, gender, age, etc. A current human rights issue of the use of children for labor puts the process of globalization to the test: CHILD LABOR.

Expectedly, there are both benefits and drawbacks of globalization that makes the idea not so easy to accomplish. It provides a combination of markets and policies that may be very difficult and problematic. However, it also helps to prevent crises from occurring in the world, especially in developing nations, by easily providing the resources needed. This global social justice movement can be seen as both a tool that can make the world fall behind or move forward.

THE IMPACT OF CHILD LABOR

Globalization can be seen as a force that can bring the world together. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a way for multinational corporations to maximize profits-- through cheap labor. Many nations, if not every nation, has been involved in the use of child workers at one point another. Today, there are still over 218 million children under legal working age participating in manual labor around the world. Working can result in beneficial outcomes and positive experiences, such as monetary income and personal fulfillment. However, more often than not, “the work becomes exploitative, interferes with the right of a child to education, and includes work that is likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children.” International efforts, (ILO) have worked toward adopting conventions to set forth strict prohibitions and specifications on working conditions for children.

Highly developed nations have very high per capita income by world standards. Many people within this nation would be sufficiently wealthy. They would enjoy a high standard of living, and do not worry much about health or food. The economy within highly developed nations are usually strong and highly technology diversified. The government is stable and has a high per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Countries such as Canada are considered highly developed and would only benefit from the productions of child labor. If child labor laws were more restrictive and prevented goods from being produced, these highly developed nations would not receive a variety of their resources. They also participate in child labor themselves, where some children do not attend school so that they would be able to afford food and clothing.

Developed nations have a relatively low standard of living compared to highly developed countries. People live less well as opposed to highly developed countries and many struggle financially for food and housing. The government is usually stable and health care is available to most citizens. Countries such as Mexico are also guilty of using children for labor. One boy was crushed to death by a tractor while working in a tomato field. However, the work in the fields of Mexico is benefitting many other nations, such as America.

Developing or underdeveloped nations have extremely low standard of living, where most people are very poor and have little or no food/shelter. The government system may be corrupt of nonexistent, such as countries like Zambia in Africa. These countries are already in poverty and seek out as much work as possible to maintain income for survival. This puts underdeveloped nations at a much higher exposure to child labor issues.

Over 158 million children between the ages of 5-14 are affected by child labor every day. That is one out of every six children in the world. The obvious results are hazardous working conditions that may eventually lead to injuries or death. On the surface, this may just seem like a human rights issue, but it is also an economic issue impacting not only the children but the rest of the world. In the mid-1990s, Pakistan was reported the producer of about 75% of soccer balls made in the world. ILO investigated and found out that over 7,000 underage children were in violation of Convention 138, most of who have never set foot inside a school in their lives. This eventually led to a prohibition of U.S. import of goods made by child labor, putting a hold on a huge part of international commerce. Many people argue that globalization has both positive and negative implications. In this circumstance, it was beneficial because it allowed for over 10,000 children to receive an education that they otherwise would not have been given the opportunity to have. However, it was a hit to the economy, taking thousands of workers away from industries. In countries in Pakistan and Egypt, young children are beaten and forced to work under harsh temperatures to earn an average of a mere $0.81 per day. However, international trade and commerce has allowed people in certain regions to simply enjoy the products of what children have slaved over to make. Although the Human Rights Water, ILO, UNICEF, and more are working to raise awareness and convince the governments to recognize and take responsibility, it will negatively affect the economy.

THE ECONOMY

A communist command economy is strictly under the control of the government. The government makes all decisions despite the situation of the market and the demands of individuals. A command economy proves to be very useful toward an urgent national matter, such as a war. It will be easy and quick to organize resources because the government will command the economy to put forth all of their efforts toward this urgent matter. A disadvantage is that there is no flexibility. Under a communist command economy, child labor would be under the complete control of the government. The government would seek out as many possibilities to boost the nation's economy, whether it be with the use of child workers or not.

A market economy is set according to the laws of supply and demand. There are no interferences from the government or other individuals. The market forces largely dictate the economy, where there is more of a free reign as opposed to traditional and command economies. The prices of goods and services fluctuate based on the market rather than direct command of prices and direct command of chosen goods. In a market economy, the same situations many arise. If there is high demand for a product, many children will participate in working and developing goods because they will be provided with money.

WORKS CITED: MLA FORMAT

(including photos and research material)