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Urban Child Labor in Bangladesh: Determinants and Its Possible Impacts on Health and Education

Author

Listed:
  • Md Abdul Ahad

    (Department of Rural Sociology & Development, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
    College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Mitu Chowdhury

    (Department of Rural Sociology & Development, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh)

  • Yvonne K. Parry

    (College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Eileen Willis

    (College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

(1) Background: A significant proportion of child laborers are compelled to work in exploitative environments, and experience both deteriorating health and financial loss. The present study sought to determine the factors affecting child labor and the characteristics of their working environment. (2) Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 80 child laborers aged 5 to 17 years. Alongside descriptive statistics, a newly devised technique known as the Influencing Causes Index (ICI) was administered and tested. (3) Results: The demographic findings reveal that most child laborers are young children (12–14 years) and 32.5% of child laborers have never attended school. The thorough assessment of determinants reflects that not only poverty but schooling expenses and a lack of access to opportunities in primary schools are also the top-ranked push factors to trigger children towards labor. Around 72.5% of children work for over 8 h a day. A significant proportion of participants received no leave, training, or access to hygiene facilities. The existing pattern of employment and working conditions resulted in musculoskeletal pain and dermatological infections among child laborers ( p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: This research suggests that income measures for households and an education program for both children and parents would expedite the abolition of child labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Abdul Ahad & Mitu Chowdhury & Yvonne K. Parry & Eileen Willis, 2021. "Urban Child Labor in Bangladesh: Determinants and Its Possible Impacts on Health and Education," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:10:y:2021:i:3:p:107-:d:520675
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Md. Abdul Ahad & Yvonne Karen Parry & Eileen Willis & Shahid Ullah, 2024. "Child Laborers’ Exposure to Neglect in Rural Bangladesh: Prevalence and Risk Factors," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 17(3), pages 1115-1135, June.
    2. Shakila Islam & M.M. Nabi, 2025. "Study the Socio-economic Status and Causes of Child Labor in Dublar Char Sutki Palli at Bagerhat District, Bangladesh," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(5), pages 55-63, May.
    3. Himashi Muthugala & Tharaka Magammana & Ayodhya Perera & Amanda Bandara & Ruwan Jayathilaka, 2026. "Addressing Child Labour in SAARC: The Synergy of Education, Health and Economic Growth Towards SDGs," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2207-2220, April.

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