Child Labor Today
Despite the laws Hine’s work crafted, child labor in dangerous conditions still exists. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates there are 73 million children under age ten working as laborers around the world. The Smithsonian notes child laborers do jobs as hazardous as those Hine photographed. But they hide due to the illegal, unethical conditions or work status.
The modern child laborer movement is still active, but has to tread carefully to protect worker privacy, and because, as Hine experienced, companies are unwilling to allow documentarians access to their employees. But in the spirit of Hine, the conditions of these child workers are being exposed through modern technology. For instance, the International Labor Organization has encouraged Myanmar child workers to take documentary photos of their work conditions. This type of evidence shows that child labor is still a problem, but one that can no longer hide in the shadows.
Where did we find this stuff? Select readings and references
National Child Labor Committee Collection, Lewis Wickes Hines.
Artist: Lewis Wickes Hine. (n.a.), International Center of Photography, (n.d.)
