Household and context determinants of child labor in 156 districts of 11 developing countries

Contains fulltext : 74903.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)We study household and context determinants of child labor for 150,000 children in 11 developing countries, with child labor rates ranging from 2 to over 20 percent. Multilevel analysis showed socio-economic factors to be still major determinants of child labor, with less child labor in households with more resources and in districts and countries that are more developed. Demographic factors are also important. First-born children and children with more siblings work more. This is also true if a parent is missing. Living in an extended family reduces child labor among girls. Effects of household-level factors depend on characteristics of the context, with stronger child-labor reducing effects under more favorable circumstances. Policy measures should focus on the weakest groups and on strengthening the position of women.33 p