Project Report: Chapter III

Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

          The researcher has observed from the review of literature that even though the issue of child labour has been taken up by Government and Non Government agencies and also at individual level, still there is much more research need to he done in order to obtain quality information on the issue, so as to deal effectively to arrest child labour.

3.1 Objectives of the Study:

The researcher has undertaken the present research study with the following objectives:

1. To study the socio-economic profile of the selected working children.

2. To study the demographic aspects of the child labour.

3. To study the working conditions of employment of the working children.

4. To study the reasons to take up child labour.

5. To study the financial contribution of the working children to supplement their family income.

Hypothesis:

The following are the hypothesis of the research study:

a. Child labour often belongs to the lowest strata of the socio-economic ladder in the country.

b. The wage levels of the child laborers are abysmally low.

c. Children often are unaware of the concept of ‘child labour’ and its legal Acts.

d. Most of the parents of the child laborers are illiterate.

e. The parents of the child laborers themselves initiate their children into child    labour activity.

Significance of the Study

          The study assumes significance in view of the alarming rise in the problem of child labour and the concern of the Government, state and society and also the NGOs in arresting the intensification of child labour. The phenomenon of child labour is prevalent not only in metropolitan cities but also the rural and semi urban areas. A micro level study in the semi-urban areas throws much light on the inherent and intricate socio-economic realities behind the issue of child labour. The present study is significant in the direction and also helps the district administration for a focused micro planning mid policy making.

3.2 Research Design

          The researcher would like to follow descriptive survey research design lo study child labour from all its dimensions.

3.3 Selection of Variables

          The variables selected for the analysis are size of the family, monthly income of the child labourer, gender, working experience of the child labourer, occupation of the child labourer, caste, family income, parents’ literacy, age, hours of work. The researcher’ wishes to analyze the data collected with the help of these variables and thus interpret the data and accordingly suggest few measures to eradicate child labour.

3.3 Selection of Variables

The variables selected for the analysis are size of the family, monthly income of the child labourer, gender, working experience of the child labourer, occupation of the child labourer, caste, family income, parents’ literacy, age and hours of work. The researcher wishes to analyze the data collected with the help of these variables and thus interpret the data and accordingly suggest a few measures to eradicate child labour.

3.4 Methodology and Sampling

          An interview schedule was formulated, keeping in view the objectives of the research study. Besides the interview schedule, observation method was also used to collect data. The researcher has identified seven areas of high concentration of child labour in Tanuku town. Out of these ten, six child labourers from each were selected for study as purposive sampling. The areas chosen were: Sajjapuram, Old Town, Main Road, Housing Board Colony, Teachers’ Colony, Velpur Road and Ikea Nagar. A total of 29 respondents were studied.

Statistical Tools of Analysis

For the purpose of analysis and comprehensive interpretation of the data statistical techniques like averages, percentages, pie diagrams, bar diagrams, histograms have been used. The data collected is analyzed and interpreted as per the objectives of the research study. For accuracy the data is analyzed with the help of a computer package viz Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

3.5 Limitations

Though the study is systematically designed it is not without limitations. These are:

a) The area of research is limited which may influence the universality of observations.

b) The average and percentages are adjusted to the nearest decimal pint.

c) The sample size is limited and thus may not be representative and comprehensive.

3.6 Presentation of the Study

          The study is presented in five chapters. Chapter one is Introduction and Chapter two a Review of Literature. Chapter three and four respectively are Methodology and analysis and interpretation of data. The last chapter five is Findings and Suggestions.

Project Report: Chapter IV (Part I)

Chapter IV

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

In the fourth chapter 'Data Analysis and Interpretation', the data collected is analyzed and interpreted as per the objectives of the research study. The data is analyzed with the help of a computer package i.e. SPSS [Statistical Package for Social Sciences].

4.1 Socio-Economic Conditions of Child labor

The following tables give us information on the socio-economic conditions of child laborers. All the tables are given in percentages only.

Table 1: Literacy Level and Gender

Education	Gender		Total
	Male	Female
Illiterate	5.0	3.3	08.3
First class	3.3	3.3	06.7
Second class	8.3	5.0	13.3
Third class	13.3	3.3	16.7
Fourth class	10.0	5.0	15.0
Fifth class	20.0	10.0	30.0
Sixth class		3.3 A	03.3
Seventh class	5.0		05.0
Ninth class	1.7		01.7
Total	66.7	33.3	100.00

Table 1 shows that 30% of the boys and girls entered child labor while in 5^th class, 20% of them being boys and 10% being girls. 16% engaged in child labor activity after their 3^rd class completion, with 13.3% boys and 3.3% girls. Over 8% had no literacy at all. About 8% did not complete their primary education and only 10% could cross primary level of education. 15% get into child labor after 4^Ih class completion, wherein 10% are boys and 5% are girls.

Table 2: Literacy Level, Family Size and Religion

Literacy Level	Family Size	Hindus	Christians	Muslims
Illiterate	Four	1.7			1.7
	Six	1.7			1.7
	Seven	1.7			1.7
	Eight	1.7			1.7
	Nine	1.7			1.7
	Total	8.3			8.3
First class	Five	3.3			3.3
	Six	1.7			1.7
	Seven	1.7			1.7
	Total	6.7			6.7
Second class	Four	1.7	3.3		5.0
	Five	5.0			5.0
	Six	1.7	1.7		3.3
	Total	8.3	5.0		13.3
Third class	Four	5,0			5.0
	Five	6.7			6.7
	Six	5.0			5.0
	Total	16.7			16.7
Fourth class	Two	1.7			1.7
	Four	1.7	1.7		3.3
	Five	5.0		17	6.7
	Six	1.7			1.7
	Nine	1.7			1.7
	Total	11.7	1.7	1.7	15.0
Fifth class	Three		1.7		1.7
	Four	15.0			15.0
	Five	8.3			8.3
	six	1.7	1.7		3.3
	Seven	1.7			1.7
	Total	26.7	3.3		30.0
Sixth class	Four	1.7			1.7
	Five	1.7			1.7
	Total	3.3			3.3
Seventh class	Four	5.0			5.0
	Total	5.0			5.0
Ninth class	Four	1.7			1.7
	Total	1.7			1.7
	Total	88.3	10.0	1.7	100.0

Table 2 shows the distribution of child labor on the basis of religion. It is reported that a high [88.3 per cent] of the child laborers were from Hindu religion, followed by 10 per cent from Christianity. It is also observed from the table that higher the education lower is the family size and accordingly illiterate respondents have registered a higher family size. The majority of the child laborers i.e. 30.0 per cent get into child labor after completion of 5^lh class, they hail from Hindu (26.7 per cent), Christian (3.3 per cent) and that their respective size of the family is 4 to 6 members. The child labor activity is also very high among the Scheduled Castes, as it is understood with the little portion of samples taken. 16.7 per cent of child laborers are initiated into activity after 3^rd class and that they hail from Hindu religion and also their size of the family ranges from 4 to 6 members. 13.3 per cent of the child laborers have completed only 2^nd class, where 8 per cent are from Christian religion and 8.3percent are from Hindu religion and they had 4-6 members in their family.

Table 3: Social Status and Family Size of Child laborers

	Social Status					Total
Family Size	SC	BC	ST	OC	Muslim
Two		1.7				1.7
Three		1.7				1,7
Four	6.7	28.3	1.7	1.7		38.3
Five	13.3	11.7	3.3	1.7	1.7	31.7
Six	3.3	11.7	1.7			16.7
Seven	5.0					5.0
Eight		1.7				1.7
Nine	3.3				•	3.3
Total	31.7	56.7	6.7	3.3	1.7	100.00

Table 3 shows the relationship between caste and family size. Castes mentioned here are Scheduled Caste [SC], Backward Caste [BC], Scheduled Tribe [ST], Other Castes [OC] and Muslims. Family size is given from 2 to 9. The highest concentration 38.3% is among those children, whose family size is 4, wherein 6.7% are from SCs, 28.3% from BCs, 1.7% each from STs and Muslims. Caste distribution of child labor is 56.7% in BCs and 31.7% in SCs, 6.7% in STs. 13.3% and 1.7% of child labor from SCs and BCs respectively have 5 members each in the family. 3.3% of the SC community had 9 members in their family. This clearly shows that poverty significantly affects child labor.

Table 4: Family income and size of the family of child laborers

	Size of the Family								Total
Family Income	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six	Seven	Eight	Nine
5000 - 6000				1.7				1.7	3.3
6000 - 7000	1.7		5.0	8.3	1.7			1.7	18.3
7000 - 8000			10.0	5.0	5.0	3.3			23.3
8000 - 9000			8.3	3.3	3.3	1.7			16.7
9000-10000			3.3	6.7			1.7		11.7
10000-11000			6.7	5.0	3.3				15.0
11000-12000		1.7	5.0	1.7	3.3				11.7
Total	1.7	1.7	38.3	31.7	16.7	5.0	.1.7	3.3	100.0

Table 4 shows that the family income and size of the family members of child laborers. The family income range from Rs.5000 to Rs.12000. 23.3percent of child labor population, whose family income ranging from Rs.7000 to Rs.8000 annually, have their family size from 4 to 7 members. The family income of 16.7percent of the total child labor population is between Rs.8000 to 9000 and that their family size range form 4 to 7. The family income of only 11.7percent of the child laborers (hailing from 3 to 6 members of family size) is between Rs. 1,000 to 12,000.

The child labor population hailing from those families of 4 to 6 members is more compared to others and their annual income approximately ranges from Rs.6000 to 11000 only. 18.3percent of the child laborers' families have 6000 to 7000 rupees annual income and their family size range from 4 to 5 members. It is observed from the study that about 88 percent of the respondents reported that their families were earning below Rs. 11, 000 per annum and hence far below poverty line.

Table 5: Gender and Social Status of Child labor population

	Social Status					Total
Gender	SC	BC	ST	OC	Muslim
Boys	13.3	41.7	6.7	3.3	1.7	66.7
Girls	18.3	15,0				33.3
Total	31.7	56.7	6.7	3.3	1.7	100.00

Table 5 shows that Scheduled castes have the majority [18.3percent] of the female child labor population and BCs have I5 per cent of the same. The SCs have 13.3percent of the male child labor population and 41 percent from the BC community. The ST community has 6.7percent of the male child labor population

Table 6: Social Status and Family Income of Child labor population

	Social Status
Family Income	SC	BC	ST	OC	Muslim	Total
5000 - 6000	1.7	1.7				3.3
6000 - 7000	6.7	10.0			1.7	18.3
7000 - 8000	6.7	13.3	3.3			23.3
8000 - 9000	5.0	8.3	1.7	1.7		16.7
9000-10000	3.3	8.3				11.7
10000-11000	5.0	6.7	1.7	1.7		15.0
11000-12000	3.3	8.3				11.7
Total	31.7	56.7	6.7	3.3	1.7	100.00

Table 6 shows the relationship between caste and family income. As per the caste wise distribution of child labor population, 31.7percent are from SC community, 56.7percent are from BC community, 6.7percent are from ST community, and 3.3percent are from other castes and 1.7percertt from Muslim community. 23.3percent of the caste groups (SC, BC, and ST) had the annual family income ranging between 7000 to 8000 rupees, 18.3percent of the SC and BC families of the child labor population had 6000 to 7000 rupees. The caste groups, which had very low income, are SC community 6.7percent and BC community 10 percent. If this is properly interpreted from the actual representation of caste groups, the Scheduled Castes in majority have the lowest family annual income. This is also truly reflected in analysis of the family income between SC community and BC community, i.e. 6.7percent against 13.3percent, 5.0percent against 8.3percent, 3.3 per cent against 8.3percent respectively.

Table 7: Ownership, Hygiene and Nature of housing of Child Labor

Housing
		Nature			Total
Ownership	Hygiene	Thatched	Tiled	Daba
Own	Clean	15.0	5.0	11.7	31.7
Rented		3.3	5.0		8.3
Total		18.3	10.0	11.7	40.0
Own	Unclean	26.7	13.3	1.7	41.7
Rented		10.0	5.0		15.0
Rent free		1.7	1.7		3.3
Total		38.3	20.0	1.7	100.0

Table 7 reports that 60% of child population had unclean housing, where 26.7% have own houses, which are thatched and 13.3% are tiled nature, 10% have rented houses, which are thatched, 5% are tiled. Out of the total child labor population, 40% have clean sanitation and 60% have unclean sanitation and only 73.3% have own housing, while others have rented housing. 30% had tile housing out of which, 10% come under clean sanitation; also out of the same, 18.3% have owned the tiled houses and others had the rented housing.

Table 8: Parents' Literacy and Hygiene of Housing

	Hygiene		Total
Parental Literacy	Clean	Unclean
Literate	8.3	13.3	21.7
Illiterate	31.7	46.7	47.0
Total	40.0	60.0	100.0

Table 8 shows that the parents of 78.3% child labor population are illiterate, out of which 31% had clean sanitation and 46.7% had unclean sanitation. The table also shows that the parents of 21.7% were literate, out of which 8.3% had clean sanitation and 13.3% had unclean sanitation. To speak of percentage of parents' literacy, the literates comprise 21.7% as against illiterate comprise 78.3%.

Table 9: Parental Love and Affection and Parental Literacy and Social Status

		Parental Literacy		Total
Social Status	Parental Love	Literate	Illiterate
sc	Yes	8. 3	23.3	31.7
	Total	8. 3	23.3	31.7
BC	Yes	13.3	41.7	55.0
	No		1.7	1.7
	Total	13.3	43.3	56.7
ST	Yes		3.3	3.3
	No		3.3	3.3
	Total		6.7	6.7
OC	Yes		3.3	3.3
	Total		3.3	3.3
Muslim	Yes		1.7	1.7
	Total		1.7	1.7
Total		21.7	78.3	100.00

Table 9 shows the relationship between the parents' literacy, love of parents for child laborers and caste variables. Out of the total, 95.0percent had reported to have love and affection of parents, where 31 .percent belonged to SC community, 55.0percent belonged to BC community and 3.3percent belonged to ST community. Of the 31.7percent of SC community, the parents of 8.3percentsamples had reported literate and 23.3percent are illiterate. Of the 55.0percent of BC community, the parents of 13.3percent were literate and others illiterate. Of the 3.3percent of ST community, the 3.3percent were illiterate. 5 percent reported that they do not experience love and affection of parents or their guardians.

Table 10: Age and Education of Child laborers

Education	Age Group		Total
	Six to Ten Years	Eleven to Fourteen Years
Nil	3.3	5.0	8.3
First Class	6,7		5.7
Second Class	5.0	8.3	13.3
Third Class	6.7	10.0	16.7
Fourth Class	8.3	6.7	15.0
Fifth Class	5.0	25.0	30.0
Sixth Class		3.3	3,3
Seventh Class		5.0	5.0
Ninth Class		1.7	1.7
Total	35.0	65.0	100.00

Table 10 shows the relationship analysis between age and education of child labor relationship analysis. There are two age groups are given viz. 6 to 10 years and 11 to 14 years. There are altogether 8.3percent, which are totally illiterate, and they are distributed 3.3percent and 5 percent in the age group of 6 to 10 years and 11 to 14 years respectively. 5^th standard seems to be a deadline for majority of the child laborers 30 percent i.e. 5 percent from 6 to 10 years age group and 25.0percent from other age group. Also 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^lil class turn out to be deadlines to enter into the child labor activity. Out of the 35.0percent taken from 6 to 10 years age group, not even one has completed 5^th class and out of 65.0percent belonging to 11 to 14 years of age group, only 6.7percent have completed 7^th class and only 10-Opercent have completed 5^th class, while others lagged behind in elementary education.