Stuff You Should Know Selects: Child Labor: Not Funny
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Jul 12, 2025 Explore the serious issue of child labor, from its historical roots during the Industrial Revolution to its modern-day implications. Discover the chilling contrast between childhood jobs and the harsh realities faced by young workers globally. The hosts cleverly mix thoughtful analysis with light-hearted discussions about fashion, while delving into the ongoing battle for children's rights. Learn about the revolutionary roles of women reformers, current laws, and solutions aimed at combating child labor through education and family support.
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Child Labor vs Kid Jobs
- Josh Clark shares that his first job as a paperboy wasn't real child labor but just a kid having a job.
- He contrasts this with children globally who suffer harsh working conditions and no childhood at all.
Historic Roots of Child Work
- Early child work often included helping on family farms or unpaid apprenticeships starting around age 13.
- This was rooted in the Protestant work ethic and the social norms of the time, where "idle hands are the devil's workshop."
Child Labor as Family Necessity
- Child labor was originally tied to family survival in rural agrarian societies, not just work ethic.
- Families often had no choice but to involve children to keep the household alive.