Social mobilization and child work : with a case study of some companies and NGOs in Delhi. Report from a Minor Field Study in Delhi, India. Feb-April 2004

Sammanfattning: Problem statement: Child work is a serious global issue that has been widely covered by the international media since the beginning of the 90s. The international community has increasingly realized their own link with the amount of childwork in the export-oriented industries. This has resulted in an increase of international pressure of various kinds, and to various campaigns which combat child work. Some campaigns have, however, resulted in worse conditions for the children involved. Aim: My aim with this project has been to look further into how different parties that come into contact with working children on a daily basis believe that civil society should act to help working children and eliminate child work in the long run. Brief description of points of departure and diposition: I have chosen to do a qualitative study where I have carried out interviews with employees at companies as well as with NGOs in Delhi. I have also reviewed literature concerning this subject. Conclusion: Today, boycotts and strikes of different kinds are powerful tools for consumers to affect producers (corporates). However, boycotts can also be counterproductive. Social mobilization, I believe, is a fundamental element for abolishing child work. However, before measures are taken to boycott child work, mechanisms that will protect the children involved and their families are needed. Consumers that are sensitized about child labour, as we have seen throughout the paper, will know that simply boycotting might not be the answer that is in the best interest of the children involved.