Child labor between hope and reality: A psycho-sociological study

Abstract

The present study aims to uncover the underlying causes of the phenomenon of child labor from a psychosociological perspective, as it has emerged as a threat to both society and the individual. The child represents the cornerstone of any society and embodies its future; however, this future requires security and protection—conditions that are incompatible with the world of labor. Every child has the right to live in dignity, and it is the responsibility of the society in which he or she lives to guarantee that right. Since the family constitutes the primary nucleus of society and serves as the institution most responsible for ensuring the child’s safety and emotional stability, it becomes imperative for researchers and specialists to explore the factors that compel children to work, whether within or beyond the family environment. Numerous studies and research works, both Arab and international, and across various scientific disciplines, have examined this issue. Despite its social sensitivity, the alarming growth of child labor calls for comprehensive academic attention. Statistical reports have indicated a significant increase in child labor rates, a development that threatens to shape a future society marked by psychological, physical, and economic impairment.