CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
There
is no generally accepted definition for the term ‘Child Hawking’. But
it could simply be referred to as the abuse of a child by his parents or
guardian or any other adult. Edu and Edu (1990), describe child abuse
as a willful maltreatment of a child below eighteen years of age into
street sales. Such treatment according to them can include acts of
commission (abuse) and omission (neglect). A narrow definition of child
hawking is united to life threatening, physical violence including
severe beating, rape (sexually harassed) which are inflected on the
children by the adult member of the community. A broader definition
however lays emphasis on any treatment other than the most favorable
care and include neglect sexual and or emotional abuse and exploitation
.which ever this social problem is been define the question that comes
to mind is “are children who are God’s given gifts granted freedom,
comfort and peace by adults in the society? In Nigeria, for example, the
rights of citizens in chapter 4 sections 30, 40 of the 1999
constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every
citizen’s basic and fundamental human rights. Here, the constitution
does not make any destination between the rights of adults and children
to trade. Thus, children are expected to enjoy these rights. With the
menace of child hawking (abuse) in the country, children are being
exposed to all kinds of societal hazards. This study therefore examines
street hawking in Nigeria, with a view of identifying its consequences
on children. Street trading and child hawking have become a global
phenomenon and a global concern. The United Nations International
Children Education Fund (NCICEF) has estimated that there are 100 and
200 million child labourers across both industrial and developing
countries. Estimates for Nigeria shows that 20% of children between the
age of 10 and 14 are involved in child labour and street trading.
Nigeria alone is estimated to have between 12 and 15 million of child
hawkers. According to Human Right Watch (2004) Nigerians have the
largest child labour force in the world. The dramatic increase in child
labour and street hawking in Nigeria can be attributed to several
factors. The rapid population growth of less developed countries, high
rates of unemployment, inflation, low wages and deplorable working
conditions have contributed to incidents of child hawking and child
labour, as children attempt to help support their families (Charles and
Charles 2004, Deth 1993). According to Arat (2002), the proliferation of
industries can also be linked to an increase in child hawking and child
labour. Social ills affecting children have been an area of active
empirical investigation. Indeed numerous studies exist on children who,
along with their parents are and on weekends and holidays. This study
will bring to light the dangers associated with street trading and child
hawking as reported by children who engage in these practices.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Street
trading and child hawking have the potential to corrupt young minds in
two major ways. Firstly, a child that misses school frequently falls to
benefit comprehensively from the education system. This can mean poor
performance in examinations and open the door to examination
malpractices for those seeking a certificate at all cost. This in turn
can lead to incompetent and unlearned graduates with consequences for
the nation as a whole, including increased national illiteracy.
Secondly, street trading and child hawking may also lead to behavioral
patterns inimical to healthy citizenship. They may indulge in negative
activities or criminal acts, such as prostitution, armed robbery, and
pick pocketing and face imprisonment. (Humert, 2009 and Humphrices,
2010). Many government policies have been put in place to curb the issue
of child hawking and child labour, but all to no avail. This probably
is as a result of the low economic status of most Nigerians who barely
earn enough to feed themselves and their children. Oruwari (1996);
Okojie (1987) and Aderinto (2000) linked the phenomenon of child hawking
and educational development to socio economic status of poor parents
who subsist at the periphery of the urban economy. This research will
offer solutions to the menaces of child hawking and child development.
It is believed that the solutions discussed below will reduce the menace
to its absolute minimum in the course of this discussion this study
will also attempt to address the following questions why do parent
engage their children in street trading and child hawking? Are parents
happy about this situation considering the dangers involved? Why have
the policies of government not succeeded?
1.3 Objectives of Study
1. To examine the causes of child hawking in Ekpoma
2. To examine the consequences of child hawking on children.
3. To examine the relationship between child hawking and development.
4. To examine the relationship between child hawking and academic performance.
1.4 Research Hypothesis
1. There is a relationship between poverty and child hawking
2. There is no relationship between polygamous family and child hawking
3. There is a relationship between singly parenthood and child hawking.
1.5 Scope of Study
The scope of study shall lay emphasis on the effect and consequences of child hawking on child development in Ekpoma. Also,
this study examines the relationship with child hawking and
development. Furthermore, this study examines government policies on how
to eradicate child hawking in Ekpoma and Nigeria at large.
1.6 Significance of Study
Existing
literature portray little information about child hawking and
development. This study is therefore important because it will reveal
child hawking practices in Ekpoma. Also, the importance of this study is
to give an insight to those who will like to carry out a similar
research on this topic in the nearest future.
1.7 Definition of Terms
1. Child:
This is used in this study as a young human being the age of puberty.
In other words, a young individual below the age of 18 years.
2. Street hawking: The
act of selling of goods or foodstuffs and other items on the streets.
It can also be described as act of selling, offering or exposing for
sale any article in a public place.
3. Child labour: This
simply means the use of children by other adults e.g. parents/guardians
for economic purpose that brings income to such adults. UNICEF defines
child labour as work that exceeds a minimum number of hours depending on
the age of a child (especially those below 18 years) and on the type of
work.
4. Abuse: As used in this study mean maltreatment of a
person in an unjust or undesired manner. Therefore, the term child
abuse refers to the physical or emotional or social mistreatment of
children. World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) define it as any act or
failure to act that which violates the rights of the child, to endanger
his/ her optimum health, survival and development.