Utilitarianism

How would a utilitarian respond to the issue of child labour in poorer countries?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that says the best action is the one that looks to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Consequentialism is a form of utilitarianism, which is when the morality of an action is determined by the consequences. In the case with child labour in poorer countries, a utilitarian would focus on the overall effects of child labour on their happiness. A consequentialist would look at both shorter term and longer-term consequences. The shorter-term consequences are that the extra income the children earn could significantly improve the well-being of the child's family as they are being provided with basic necessities like food and water. However, the longer-term consequences of child labour is that they limit the child's opportunities to grow and develop and learn in a safe and stable environment. This in turn can reduce the future well-being of the children and overall may reduce their happiness. A consequentialist would argue that the longer-term consequences of child labour significantly outweigh the longer-term harms of child labour and therefore would advocate to keep child labour banned and enforce stricter rules.

Equity, another form of utilitarianism, which states that every individual is valued and the pain and pleasure of everyone is equally important. In the case of child labour, a utilitarian would be concerned on how child labour impacts vulnerable children. These children often work in hazardous environments, face poor working conditions, and are deprived of the basic rights of education and play. Equity refers to everyone's pain and pleasure, in this case the adults suffering because they have no money and the children suffering to provide their family with money. If a child is forced to work in hazardous conditions for long hours instead of enjoying their childhood, the pain caused by this exploitation is of same equal moral importance as the pain caused by similar exploitation of any other individual. This suffering must not be justified by the economic benefits that child labour brings to businesses or families. Child labour is driven by the need to support their families, but the interests of the children should be given equal consideration. Even if it benefits adults and families in the short term and gives them pleasure, it does not justify the severe pain the child workers had to go through. Equity utilitarianism would argue that the suffering of children must be treated with the same moral significance as the interests of adults. Equity utilitarianists would not accept this exploitation of children as it causes long-lasting harm to the children involved.

Hedonism refers to the view that the pleasure or happiness are the only inherently good thing and that pain and suffering are the only inherently bad thing. A hedonist would focus on the pain and suffering that labour causes. Children will suffer from emotional distress, anxiety and trauma whilst also experiencing physical harm due to long hours and dangerous conditions. These forms of suffering are clearly negative, and this pain would outweigh any positive outcomes of child labour. On the other hand, a hedonist would also consider the pleasure and happiness that child labour might bring to poor families. The income generated by their children could provide food and healthcare. This would help relieve economic hardship and give the families some pleasure. This pleasure, however, is short term whilst the children's well-being is a long-term consequence. While it may provide temporary financial relief, the lasting negative effects on the child's physical and mental health would greatly outweigh these positives. Therefore, a hedonist would encourage for children to stop working for income in poorer countries.

The Utilitarian approach is useful to the issue of child labour, as it considers what would be the best option to create good for everyone, whilst also considering the pain and pleasure of both the adults and the children. It argues that banning child labour would prevent exploiting and harming children but also evaluates the negative impact on families who rely on the income.