Child Labour Background, Challenges, and the Role of Research in Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8.7

Abstract

The focus of this report is on child labour, which is a main component of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7. After providing a brief background on child labour, this report provides an overview of the factors that research has identified as main contributors to child labor, categorized broadly as either microeconomic factors, macroeconomic factors, or other household factors. Microeconomic factors include household poverty, market imperfections, and the role of education in shaping outcomes while macroeconomic factors include economic growth and globalization. Other relevant parental and household factors are also discussed, such as altruism and cultural norms. The report next provides an overview of policies aimed at combating child labor, including policies related to the legal framework, poverty reduction initiatives, and access to education. A critical evaluation of the indicator used to measure child labor is conducted, focusing on standardization, measurement accuracy, conceptualization, and areas for potential improvement. Finally, the report identifies major challenges faced in eradicating child labor.