Learning or Labouring? A Compilation of Key Texts on Child Work and Basic Education.

Harmonized with UNICEF's efforts to reduce hazardous and exploitative forms of child labor, this compilation of key texts examines the area of child labor and basic education. The articles are organized into four main areas covering ideas, debates, evidence, and case studies. The first part provides some definitions of childhood, work, exploitation and education. The second part provides a review of changes in policy attitudes at an international level and presents some of the classical views in both the compulsory education and fertility debates. The cases of India, China, Java and Nepal are considered. The third part examines cases of children working in rural and urban settings, evidence of the importance of primary education for economic development, the relationship between school and work during childhood, and the different reasons why children may be unable to attend school. The final part of the book presents examples of how basic education for working children has been approached in several parts of the world. Suggestions for further reading and a resource section of relevant books, articles, and other materials that can be obtained from academic sources and international agencies is included. (AA)