Imagine that you are a factory owner in eighteenth-century britain. Write a letter from an employer's point of view to a friend explaining why you think child labour is important to the economy and why it is undesirable to improve working conditions.
Dear.......
Child labour is very important now a days. Without children here doing work, families will shatter, and there will be lack of food and money starting to develop around everywhere. Children can manage work very well with their hard effort, and this hard effort will one day bear them fruit. If children don't work then this will ruin their homeliving. children need to work for their parents and produce home income to survive in rough conditions. If children don't work then all ways to produce money will be shut.
I need help on the last part, and I'm not sure if I have started this out as a letter very well, all your help will be appreciated, thanks
Employers didn't hire children so that the families would have money.
Employers hired children because they could be paid less, could be bossed around and told what to do, and in some instances, their small bodies and hands could do the jobs faster than adults. Hiring children meant bigger profits for businesses.
It was all about money in the employers' pockets, although they might use some of the arguments you gave.
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I wanted to share some thoughts with you regarding a matter that has been on my mind lately - child labor and its importance in our economy.
As a factory owner in eighteenth-century Britain, I have firsthand experience with the benefits that child labor brings to the economy. I understand that the idea of children working instead of enjoying their childhood may seem undesirable to some, but in our current economic climate, it is crucial for the survival of families and the overall stability of society.
Child labor allows families to earn a much-needed income to meet their basic needs. Many families rely heavily on the wages their children bring home to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. By employing children, not only do we provide them with an opportunity to contribute to their family's income, but we also instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic in them from a young age.
Furthermore, we must recognize that children possess unique qualities that make them suited for certain types of labor. Their small stature and nimble fingers make them well-suited for intricate tasks that require precision, such as textile or watchmaking industries. By utilizing children's skills, we can increase productivity and ensure our industries remain competitive in the global market.
Improving working conditions may sound appealing in theory, but we must remember that any changes would have a significant impact on our economy. Implementing regulations to improve working conditions would require additional resources, such as better machinery, safer working environments, and higher wages for adult workers. These costs would ultimately be passed down to the consumer, leading to an increase in prices for essential goods.
While it is important to consider the welfare of child laborers, we must also acknowledge the harsh reality of the times we live in. The majority of families rely on the income generated by their children to survive, and depriving them of the opportunity to work would only exacerbate their hardships.
I understand that child labor is a contentious subject, and opinions may vary. However, as a factory owner and someone deeply concerned about the well-being of families and the economy, I firmly believe that in our current circumstances, child labor is a necessary evil. It provides financial stability to families, allows us to compete effectively in the global market, and, most importantly, helps ensure a better future for the upcoming generations.
Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. I am open to discussions and eager to hear your perspective.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]