Child labor and schooling in Ghana and Kenya: The roles of poverty and education policy
Open Access
Author:
Moyi, Peter Liboyi
Graduate Program:
Educational Theory and Policy
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
August 04, 2006
Committee Members:
Mindy L Kornhaber, Committee Chair/Co-Chair David Post, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Suet Ling Pong, Committee Member Leif Jensen, Committee Member
Keywords:
child labor education policy poverty Ghana Kenya
Abstract:
This study explored the relationship between child labor, poverty, and schooling. Specifically, it examined how the household characteristics and government policy impact child labor and school attendance in Ghana and Kenya. Using household-level data from the Statistical Information and Monitoring Programme on Child Labor (SIMPOC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), this study compared the nature and determinants of child labor and/or school attendance between Ghana and Kenya. This study found that differences exist between Ghana and Kenya in the relationship between child labor and poverty and schooling. Across both countries, in poor households, the struggle to survive makes it very difficult for parents to invest in their children’s education. The findings also demonstrate that children can attend school despite facing poverty. Despite greater poverty, Kenyan children have a higher probability of school attendance. Overall, the results of this study highlight the importance of government commitment to the provision of education to all children in these two countries.
