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Chapter 5 - Dreams, Reality, and Invisibility

Social Workers Unpacking Child Labour through Children’s Stories in Urban and Rural Maharashtra, India

from Part I - Storying-to-Learn: How Stories-that-Matter Help Us Appreciate Social Work in Action

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 August 2025

Tony Ghaye
Affiliation:
The Arctic University of Norway
Rita Sørly
Affiliation:
The Arctic University of Norway
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Summary

1. Reflect on the intersectionality of poverty and child labour as highlighted in the story. How do social and economic factors contribute to the perpetuation of child labour globally? 2. Considering the complexities of defining child labour, particularly concerning domestic chores and family-based work, how might this ambiguity impact efforts to address and eradicate child labour effectively? 3. Reflect on social constructs around children and childhood to develop actions that can give voices to children who are usually unheard and unseen. What are these constructs? 4. Think about actions that social workers can undertake to maintain a balance between promoting social protection of the most vulnerable groups of children while ensuring the agency of children and families. What would be priority actions for you? 5. Considering the diversity of experiences among working children, how can policies and interventions be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual children and their families? 6. Keeping in mind the attitude of society where a large number of people prefer to turn a blind eye to child labour, what can social workers do to evolve a society where the duty of care for children is the responsibility of every adult, regardless of whether the child is part of his/her family? 7. Reflect on the challenges faced in the reintegration and rehabilitation of rescued child workers, as discussed in the story. What strategies and initiatives could be implemented to support these children and prevent them from returning to work?

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Type
Chapter
Information
Learning through Social Work Stories-That-Matter
Global Perspectives
, pp. 58 - 77
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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OHCHR. (2023). Rights of the Child and Inclusive Social Protection: Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Geneva: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc5436-rights-child-and-inclusive-social-protection-report-united (accessed 17 September 2023).Google Scholar
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