Last updated 29 Oct 2024
The educational experiences of child domestic workers are often fraught with challenges; However, these people often show a strong inclination towards education, which can lead to positive results.
It has been found that there has been a significant increase in the number of domestic child laborers, especially in the Kathmandu region. Driven by aspirations for an improved future, children often opt for domestic work, where a "better future" is associated with access to schooling and educational opportunities.
Public educational institutions in Kathmandu Metropolitan City report a significant presence of domestic child laborers in their student population. According to the statistics of the Metropolitan Education Department, a large part of the students studying in 86 public schools of the city are involved in domestic child labor, although the exact statistics of the number of child laborers have not been ascertained. Saraswati Pokharel, assistant director of the education department, said that many students of the metropolis are involved in child labour. Inquiring after instructing the principals of various government schools revealed that they too have identified the prevalence of child labor among their students. Anil Jha, principal of Bansbari High School, said some students of class three and four have work experience, while many students from classes six to ten are known as child labourers, while few examples have been seen in classes eleven and twelve. grades.
In addition to the challenges associated with their education, domestic child laborers often exhibit a high level of discipline in their role. Despite their educational activities, these children remain largely unorganized, with few willing to disclose their identities due to the stigma surrounding domestic child labor, which can lead to harmful social reactions.
The opportunity for these children to enjoy the rights normally associated with childhood has been significantly curtailed. They often lack sufficient time for leisure and nourishment, often wake up early to fulfill household duties, thus following self-imposed routines.
The logic underlying domestic child labor aligns with the principles outlined in Talcott Parsons' Grand Theory of Work. According to Parsons' theoretical framework, each participant, or "actor," whether an individual or a group, must navigate established rules to achieve their defined goals. Domestic child laborers embody this concept, as their roles are performed with the goal of achieving educational achievements. They often face many challenges in pursuing their studies, often participating in academic responsibilities only after completing their homework; However, these individuals derive a sense of fulfillment from their experiences, which contributes to their focus on academic goals.
In terms of Parsons' theory, these actors acknowledge the constraints they face. In the face of obstacles, they remain prepared and resilient, viewing their domestic labor as a pathway to educational opportunities.
The act of going to school is inherently linked to the acquisition of knowledge. The opportunity to engage in literacy and numeracy while fulfilling household chores should be seen as a positive development, as education enables individuals to navigate the complexities of written language.
Thus, children's motivation to perform domestic labor can be analyzed through the lens of Parsons theory, which emphasizes the pursuit of educational goals. If there is easy access to education, the need for child labor is likely to be reduced. In essence, it is imperative that domestic child laborers receive equal treatment compared to their peers. Employers should extend the same level of care and consideration to these children as their own.
