[Once Upon a Time] Globalization and Vietnam’s Children

There are various reasons globalization is criticized, but among them, criticism over child labor accounts for a large share. In less developed countries, child labor is widespread, and the claim is that as trade increases through globalization, child labor will increase even further. But if we look at what has actually happened, we can see that this criticism is mistaken.

It is true that child labor is more common in developing countries than in advanced countries, but globalization does not increase child labor. In fact, Vietnam’s historical experience confirms the opposite.

After communist reunification in 1975, Vietnam adhered for some time to a thoroughly closed-door policy. Even rice exports were kept under a strict quota system on the grounds that national wealth would flow out of the country. In the early 20th century, Argentina under President Perón also adopted a policy of banning exports of its own goods in the belief that it would prevent an outflow of national wealth, only to drive its people into hardship. Vietnam repeated the same mistake.

The liberalization of rice exports began in 1993, long after Vietnam officially adopted the Doi Moi policy in 1986. In other words, 1993 was effectively the year Vietnam began globalization in earnest. And the liberalization of rice exports created conditions that allowed more Vietnamese children to attend school.

In 1993, at least one-quarter of children between the ages of 6 and 15 were engaged in farming. As rice exports were liberalized and export volumes increased, farmers’ living standards rose, and child labor declined as well. By 1998, the number of working children had fallen by 29% compared to 1993, and the number of children attending school had increased. The rise in school enrollment was particularly pronounced among girls. When families are struggling, girls are the first to be kept out of school and made to work at home. Globalization expands export opportunities for people in developing countries, and as a result, children’s circumstances improve as well.

Korea was not very different. Bang Jeonghwan sought to establish Children’s Day because children were treated so poorly that even their own parents regarded them as little more than “brats.” Many children were unable to attend school and had to help with household work. But as living standards rose, children came to be treated so well that people now worry about overprotection. Globalization raises living standards, and as household circumstances improve, children are better protected as well.

Original title: [옛날옛적에 ] 세계화와 베트남의 아이들

Author: Center for Free Enterprise (CFE)

Date: 2006-06-22

Source: https://www.cfe.org/bbs/bbsDetail.php?cid=column&pn=21&idx=10678