Kinderarbeit in nicht-westlichen Gesellschaften und Kulturen

Abstract

The article focusses on childrens work in non-western societies, that are based on concepts of childhood and practices of childrens work that are different from western societies. The author describes the significance of work for the social status, the participation and education of children. Considering the structural implications (mode of production, social systems), the immanent contradictions and international influences (colonialism, introduction of wage work) the question is put forward if the tradional forms of childrens work in non- western societies can be more than a historical reminiscence. What could be their contribution for a new development of childhood in modern western societies?