Mexico Manufacturing and Child Labor Essay Example

style="text-align: justify">•46% of Mexican citizens were marginalized in 2010, while 54% of children fit this same criteria in the same year; 14% of Mexican children are underdeveloped- this number rises to 33% in aboriginal areas of the country.

•While 99% of males and 100% of females enroll in school, the number of students who subsequently enroll in secondary school decreases to 72% and 74%, respectively.

•It is estimated that 20mm children live in poverty, 5mm of those live in extreme poverty. While the US is making attempts to encourage compliance with regard to human rights and child labor abuses, many of its initiatives lack the wherewithal to make any formidable progress in combatting these issues. Although the US has its share of flaws, it does have the clout to persuade governing bodies of other countries to implement change. However, the US does not- and should not- have the authority to impose its ethical beliefs on other countries.

A main reason for widespread dislike of the US is its propensity to involve itself in conflict/macroeconomic issues that have nothing to do with the US, and forcing its ethical values on other cultures. There are economic issues that citizens abroad are faced with that force the need for minors to work to help support their families. The US should become involved in enforcing child labor laws with countries they have trade agreements with, or that export to the US. Trade agreements should be established under the strict guidelines set forth by the US with regard to its expectations on human rights and child labor issues; subsequently, the US needs to have supervision standards in

place to enforce these guidelines and be prepared to sever business ties with countries that deviate from the US standard for fair labor.

It is difficult to say how the US consumer can counterbalance the need for cheap goods while being socially responsible; the US consumer functions on the basis of gratification and will not sacrifice cheap goods. However, consumers can elect legislators that will follow through on enforcing fair labor laws and social responsibility, and enacting laws with ‘teeth’. If the US intends to continue doing business with countries utilizing child labor, it is its responsibility to ensure that these children are properly treated and protected from abuses. In doing so, the US must be prepared to cease business with countries that do not comply with fair labor practices.