In Depth Source- Immigration, culture, and Child Labor

The article I came across was called Immigration, Culture, and Child Labor in the United States. Many factors go into the reasons for why child labor such as economic suffrage and need for survival. However, the article focused on the influence that different traiditions and values from migrant families within the nation had on the active role of child labor. For example, it was more common for the european children immigrants to be in the workforce because it was known as acceptable and normal in the society for them. The italians valued the income of their sons and daughters and often sent them off the be indentured servants. They expected their kids to be focused on their job and were very strict. Although other children outside of migrant families also worked, the parents often motivated their children by acting as if it was playtime and let them stop when they were tired. The system for which parents from different backgrounds used for child labor was varied. Another point the article made was that Jewish people valued education over work and these children were more in attendence at school then kids christian families. It wasn't that the migrant or the catholic families loved their kids any less, it was just what they saw as more important for the children and thought that work was what was best for them. Not only did the parents value work over school, but the kids did as well. One would think the children would perfer school then working hard all day out in the fields or factories, but in fact it was the oppoiste. First, Children were proud to work for their parents and saw it as normal to work beside them. Second, the schools were just as harsh if not more abusive in school then at the facotries. They also saw school as too difficult and again perferred working. This made is difficult for the Progressives and new legislation because not only were they going against parents, but the children themselves. Child Labor was not an easy issue to end because it was something that was accpeted in society and wasnt as hated as many may think. The conidtions of child labor were harsh and unreasonble which was recognized by many, but not by all because for certain families including children it was valued.