Children in Brazil

Child Labor

Due to the fact that Brazil is one of a few nations that does not enforce child labor laws, this industry thrives amongst the impoverished children. It is estimated that 3.5 million children are involved in the work force in Brazil (Jubilee 1998). This huge number is caused by many social and economic factors. One such factor is that schooling is usually too expensive for the poorer families (Dimenstein 1991). Furthermore, the type of education that is offered at public schools truly does not help in a street childs fight for survival. A highlight of some economic factors is that children need to work in order to help support their families. This factors contribute to children feeling that they have no need for the curriculum offered in the Brazilian schools and knowing that they need to work for thier families. Therefore, the oppurtunity to make money is just to tempting.
Most people feel that child labor is wrong and somehow abusive to children. They argue that child labor takes away important childhood experiences and stifles the child's education which helps shape a productive adult life. However, some, such as Elizabeth Anne Kuznesof, feel that child labor is necessary and beneficial to a childs life. Furthermore, child labor helps promote a sense of belonging and usefulness, as well as giving further responsibility in children.
Regardless of how one feels about child labor, the bottom line seems to be that for most Brazilian children and their families, not working means not eating. This harsh reality is probably the leading cause for why the child labor industry is so huge.

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Causes of Poverty

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Education

Prostitution

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Solutions

References

Dimenstein, G. (1991). Brazil: War on Children. London: Latin American Bureau Ltd.

Jubilee Campaign (October 2, 1998). Brazilian Street Children Briefing Paper. http:www.jubileecampaign.demon.co.uk/children/bra9.htm (November 2, 1999).

This page was created by Lindsay Bodack, Stephanie Hunter, Tom Kaufman, and Caitlin Kelly as a collaborative project at Tulane University in the Children and Society class taught by Professor April Brayfield. The purpose of these pages is to educate the public on the plight of poverty stricken children in Brazil. To view other student web pages please visit the Children Around the World website.

updated December 15, 1999