Family, Child Labour and Migration

Abstract

This study explores the complex interrelationship between the family, child work and migration, the role of the family in decision-making and migration process and the economic benefits of labour migration for the child's family. The study is based on interviews with 50 children below 18 years of age, who migrated from the provinces to Metro Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, to work as waged domestic workers. The decision to work and to migrate is regarded by the children as their own, although made in consultation with other family members. Most respondents felt that it was imperative for them to work and contribute to family income. The findings counter the stereotype of first-time young migrants as wide-eyed, naive individuals who do not know anyone in the city. Migrants tend to go to areas and occupations where other kin or community members have gone; family-based contacts in the recruitment process serve to make the migration process less risky. When asked what they think the government and the society can do for them, the children identified four priorities: higher wages and more benefits, protection from abusive employers, appropriate education programmes and a change in society's low regard for domestic workers.