Child Labor and Household Composition = Determinants of Child Labor in Mexico

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Despite the positive effects of some social programs based on conditional cash transfers, child labor in Mexico has not decreased as expected. This could be explained in part as a result of the high poverty levels in which most of the population lives. However, children do not necessarily work in all of the affected families. Using the database of Child Labor Modules 2009, 2011 and 2013 (hereafter MTI), this study provides an estimation of the determinants of child labor for children between 5 and 17 years old in Mexico. We find that small differences in the perceived opportunity cost of schooling have a significant impact on child labor. Other factors such as family structure and parents’ educational level exert influence as well. The results also show that by using different definitions of child labor, the probability that a minor will work varies significantly by gender.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• ABSTRACT
• INTRODUCTION
• LITERATURE REVIEW
• To Work or To Study: Who Decides?
• Child Labor and the Cost of Schooling : Between Egotism and Altruism
• CHILD LABOR IN MEXICO
• HYPOTHESIS AND ESTIMATION
• RESULTS
• Children Who Work Out of Necessity
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC POLICY
• REFERENCES