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The case against child labor bans

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco Gonzalez

    (Department of Economics, University of Waterloo)

  • Irving Rosales

    (Universidad Iberoamericana)

Abstract

We argue that enforcing blanket child labor restrictions in developing economies, as advocated in the ILO Convention 138, is harmful even in the long run. The social return to child labor can be higher than its private return if laws against crime and laws in favor of compulsory education are not enforced, in which case child labor crowds out both child crime and crime against children.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Gonzalez & Irving Rosales, 2016. "The case against child labor bans," Working Papers 1601, University of Waterloo, Department of Economics, revised Jan 2016.
    • Handle: RePEc:wat:wpaper:1601
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    File URL: https://uwaterloo.ca/economics/sites/ca.economics/files/uploads/files/child_labor_january_2016.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J88 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Public Policy
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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