Is it ethical for U.S businesses to utilize child labor in countries where the labor laws are more lenient?

[hyun-su]

With child labor laws more lenient in other nations, is it okay or ethical for U.S. businesses to take advantage of these laws and utilize the cheaper labor? If it is not, please explain why you feel that way. Also, if it is a question of ethics, whose ethics should we be using when doing business in somebody else's home land? Does U.S ethics have a place in international business and why? Why do we feel that our way of doing things is the only way of doing things? In the U.S we expect countries doing business here to abide by our common practices, laws, and ethics, so why do we feel that we do not have to do the same when in someone else's country?

[said99]

No. But, we should consistently apply the rules. We should not allow US based businesses with offshore factories to use child labor nor should we allow products made by non-US businesses that use child labor to be sold in the US.

[bachir93]

I worked for agriculture, from the time I was 12-14.

Then I went to work in restaurants, legally.

When I was growing up, it wasn't thought of as taking advantage of child labor.
It was showing good character, and made me feel great that I was earning my own money.

[amdt57]

I worked for agriculture, from the time I was 12-14.

Then I went to work in restaurants, legally.

When I was growing up, it wasn't thought of as taking advantage of child labor.
It was showing good character, and made me feel great that I was earning my own money.

nobody applauds child labour, but the fact remains that it happens. Also, unless you're willing to contribute said child's wages to said family's budget yourself, you don't have a right to judge. Every parent would prefer to send his or her kid to school rather than to work, but that's not always an option. But if 4 out of 5 kids are working, one might be able to go to school and gradually elevate the status of the entire family. Either put your money where your mouth is or get off the soapbox.