An Exploration of Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

The provided content appears to be a collection of academic texts, articles, and online sources that discuss various topics related to child labor, child abuse, and sustainability in the fashion industry. The texts cover aspects such as social and environmental sustainability, fair trade practices, child sexual abuse, and the impact of consumer actions on products with child labor content. Additionally, there are references to research methodologies, ethical considerations, and international developments in areas such as conservation and peace research.

To assess child labour in
fashion industry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am thankful to all those persons who have given me support, guidance as well as much
needed motivation so as to complete the dissertation. Firstly, I owe my thanks to mentor who
gave me chance to undertake this dissertation. Furthermore, I am thankful to my team members,
family and friends who helped me in all possible accords. This led to successful completion of
dissertation and achievement of relevant results.

ABSTRACT
Assessment of the child labour in fashion industry is the major aim of the current investigation. It
is based on the issue of child labour and abuse in the fashion industry of entire world. This issue
has negative impact on development of children and economic position of every nation. So,
focus resolving this issue author has focused on major role of child labour and level of child
abuse in fashion industry. Further, objective of the current study has also focused on impacts of
child labour on customer’s buying decisions for companies which employ children. Including
this, focus has also given on CSR policies of fashion organizations and government regulations
towards child labour. For the current investigation researcher has used secondary data collection
method which has helped in obtaining qualitative facts and figures about child labour issue. For
analysing these data researcher has used thematic analysis. Examination and interpretation of
data analysis has concluded that most of the fashion organizations of developing countries are
employing child labours for manufacturing and modelling operations. Along with this, findings
has also concluded that involvement of the child labours affect the customer’s buying decision in
negative manner which can reduce the sales of the organization. Along with this, it also affect the
economic development of the fashion industry. Including this, study has also concluded that CSR
policies focus on different factors which help in reducing the child labour in fashion industry.
These factors include Children’s right, Development of nation, Education of children, Child
labour issues and Health and safety. Further, author has also concluded that government of the
nation needs to focus on Emphasis on education, Public involvement program, Expansion of
child labour laws, Establishment of special schools, Better governance and over all awareness
programs. Therefore, study has suggested different ways to bring control over child labour in
fashion industry.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter 1: introduction.....................................................................................................................1
1.1 Title...................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Background.......................................................................................................................1
1.3 Project Rational................................................................................................................2
1.4 Aim and Objectives..........................................................................................................2
1.5 Research Question............................................................................................................3
1.6 Dissertation structure........................................................................................................3
1.7 Significance of the research..............................................................................................4
chapter 2: Literature Review............................................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................5
2.2 Employment of child in fashion industry.........................................................................5
2.3 Child labour abuse............................................................................................................7
2.4 Impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions.................................................9
2.5 Corporate Social Responsibilities and government regulations.....................................10
2.6 Different ways for reducing child labour in fashion industry of UK.............................12
2.7 Research gap...................................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................15
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................15
3.2 Research Philosophy......................................................................................................15
3.3 Research Approach.........................................................................................................16
3.4 Research Strategy...........................................................................................................17
3.5 Research Choices............................................................................................................17
3.6 Time Horizon..................................................................................................................18
3.7 Techniques and Procedures............................................................................................18
3.8 Ethical issues and Consideration....................................................................................19
3.9 Research Limitations......................................................................................................20
Chapter 4: Data analysis................................................................................................................21
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................21
4.2 Thematic analysis...........................................................................................................21
4.4 Interpretation and discussion..........................................................................................25
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommedation..................................................................................27
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................27
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................29
5.3 Future scope of the research...........................................................................................30
5.4 Reflective statement.......................................................................................................31
references.......................................................................................................................................32

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Research Onion..............................................................................................................15
Figure 2: Deductive Approach.......................................................................................................17

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Title
“To assess child labour in fashion industry”
1.2 Background
Child labour can be regarded as making children work while they are too young. It is
considered as unacceptable for children as well as prohibited on account of detrimental
conditions (Hoyano and Keenan, 2007). The child labour is a part of many sectors but the most
noteworthy amongst all is the fashion industry where it is paramount (Crosson-Tower, 2008). It
has been found that many of the child labourers work in fashion industry that are indulged in
making textiles as well as garments for satisfying demand of consumers. It has majorly been on
account of fast fashion that has pushed the company to find sources of labour that are cheap
(Child labour in the fashion supply chain, 2016). Moreover, children are a cheap source of labour
that are feely available in most of the textile and garment production nations. Moreover, there is
further a presence of many girls in India and Bangladesh who are ready to work on low prices.
They are easily brought into the fashion industry on the names of false promises of being
provided with decent wages.
On the other hand, in order to make these fashionable clothing’s there are many labours
involved and most of these labours would be below 16 (BINARISM, 2003). Firms involved in
textile industry make these children work like slaves. According to a report it was found that
more than 250 million children work in fashion industry and are paid less than minimum wage
(Zipes, 2013). These women are tortured and are forces to work continuously. The wages paid to
them are further not of the industry standards. In fact a few of them even said that they were
forced to lose weight wile in the age group of 13 to 16 years (Bordo, 2013).
The present report is thus based on the child labour activities that take place in fashion
industry. The research will thus lay emphasis on the same. In this regard, the report starts with an
introduction chapter so as to define the background, aims, and objectives. Focus as well as
purpose of research. There would further be a description about the past research studies done by
authors so as to reach at valid conclusion and recommendation.
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1.3 Project Rational
Child labour is one of the crucial problem for all over the world. It affect economic
development of particular nation as well as entire world. According to International Labour
Organization (ILO) around 260 million children are employed by different industries around the
world. Estimation of ILO is reflected that 170 million child labour are making textiles and
garments to satisfy the demand of consumers in Europe, the US, and beyond. So, child labour in
fashion industry is increasing year by year which can affect the economic development of every
nation. Major reason behind this problem is low wages and cost of labour and textile
manufacturing. By which organization can offer low cost fashion apparels to customers. It is an
issue now because most of the developing countries are using children for employment purpose.
It can affect its development and progress. Along with this, most of the organizations which are
using child labour are also facing problem of low sales due to the customer’s rejection of their
products and services. Consumers of the fashion industry are not satisfied with the products and
services which are manufactured by children. So, this type of perception affect the total financial
performance of the company. So, author wants to determine the solution of this problem by the
current investigation. So, in this study, author will shed light on the major role of child labour in
fashion industry and level of child abuse during work. Further, focus will also be given on CSR
policies and government regulations towards child labour which can help controlling child labour
in fashion industry.
1.4 Aim and Objectives
Aim
“To assess child labour in the fashion industry”.
Objectives
 To critically analyse the major role of child labour in fashion industry.
 To assess the level of child labour abuse in fashion industry.
 To critically analyse the impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions for
companies which employ children?
 To critically evaluate CSR policies of fashion organizations and government regulations
towards child labour.
 To recommend appropriate suggestions for bringing in a control on the child labour in
fashion industry.
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1.5 Research Question
1. How children are employed within the fashion industry?
2. What is the level of child labour abuse in fashion industry?
3. What are the major impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions for
companies which employ children?
4. What are the major Corporate Social Responsibilities of an organization towards the child
labour and its importance in buying decisions of customers?
5. What are the major regulations of governmental towards the child labour in the fashion
industry?
6. What recommendations can be suggested for bringing in a control on the child labour in
fashion industry?
1.6 Dissertation structure
A structured and appropriate research is very essential for attaining all aims and objective
efficiently. In this, a particular chapter structure will be followed by the researcher with respect
to accomplishing and in analysing the whole investigation on the use of child abuse in the
fashion industry. Following are the standard format of this research:
 Chapter 1: Introduction – This is the major part in which all the required information
related to research and background of the study will be given. In this context, it will
include current subject of investigation and overview of the fashion industry. In addition
to this, it will also include all the research issues related with the use child labour in the
fashion industry. Further, comparison will be done among the objectives and aim of the
research and it would also include the purpose and focus of investigation. Researcher will
make some questions for simplifying the whole explore for attaining the objectives.
Research methodology, framework, chapter structure and analysis will be included in
towards the end current section for accomplishing the whole investigation on
effectiveness of use of child abuse in fashion industry.
 Chapter 2: Literature Review – Second chapter is considered to be the heart of the
current research. This is very helpful in providing an insight for conducting the whole
research in a very effective manner. Further, it will also include the historical studies of
other researcher on the relevant topics of the use of child labour in fashion industry.
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Factors which cause or the reasons for child labour will be determined and steps to
reduce them will also be discussed.
 Chapter 3: Research Methodology – On the current subject, the investigator will conduct
the whole investigation. Analysis of different techniques and tools in order to analyse the
information and facts and it would also help in determining the conclusion and actual
findings. Ethical consideration, data collection method, research approach and technique
of investigation are discussed.
 Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings – With the help of various data collected,
researcher will analyse facts and collections for analysing the secondary information. In
addition to this, researcher will also research techniques for the effective examination of
child labour in fashion industry.
 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations – As per the findings form the data
analysis section, the current chapter of study will make a meaningful conclusion. In
addition to this, some recommendations would be made in reducing child labour in
fashion industry.
1.7 Significance of the research
The current research is based on child labour in fashion industry of whole world. It will
helpful in determining different causes behind the employment of children in garment and other
industries. Accomplishment of the current investigation will be significant for different aspects
such as it will help in getting appropriate ways for resolving issue of child labour from fashion
industry UK. Along with this, findings of the current investigation will provide information
about the employment of child labour. Including this, it will conclude the impact of child labour
on customer’s buying decision by which fashion organisation can take their decisions in term of
hiring child labour. Along with this, it will also beneficial for identifying different types of abuse
which are faced by children at the time of employment. Therefore, it will provide guidance to
government of different countries to introduce new rules and regulations for controlling child
labour. Further, it will also significant for developing organization policies for various fashion
organizations. Using this research garment and appeal companies can start effective corporate
social responsibilities. Including this, accomplishment of the current investigation is also
beneficial for researchers and other PhD scholars for conducting future investigation on similar
subject.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
A literature review is an assessment of a body of research that addresses research
questions. Major purpose of literature review is identifying what is already known about the area
of research. Therefore, it focuses on the historical investigation which have already conducted by
researchers in past. It helps in getting appropriate insights to understand research problem in
effective manner. The current research study is based on child labour in fashion industry. So, this
chapter will include all historical information about child labour which have already
accomplished in past. As per the research aim study will focus on different ways by which child
are facing this issue of labour in the particular industry. Further, focus will also be given on those
studies which have been conducted on different government regulations on child labour. It will
help in identifying research gap by which author can conduct further investigation.
2.2 Employment of child in fashion industry
Apple, 2013, has stated that “Children are employed in the fashion industry in two ways
which are as models and as workers” (Apple, 2013).
Models:
Gardetti and Torres, 2013, have said that “54% of children having age 12 to 16 are hired
by the fashion designers to walk as a model for the marketing of their clothes” (Gardetti and
Torres, 2013). Similarly De Pauw, 2014, has asserted that “The child fashion models are used to
promote the clothes and related accessories to the fashion buyers, customers and media” (De
Pauw, 2014). In favour of this Aitken, 2013, has stated that “Girl and boy children are forced to
pose seductive and attractive for photographs for the advertisement in the newspapers,
magazines, calendars and many more” (Aitken, 2013).
On the other hand Franck, 2013, has found that “Some of models feel themselves lucky
to start their career at the age of 14 which grooms them from their childhood” (Franck, 2013). In
contrast to this Bharadwaj and et.al , 2013, have explained that “Models face inappropriate
demands and have to deal with the sexual harassment, long working hours, pressure to pose nude
and lost high school education” (Bharadwaj and et.al , 2013). In a research London and et.al,
2015, have found that “Top agents of the fashion industry sexually harass the girl child of 15
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years by forcing them to spend night with them for earning more money and popularity”(London
and et.al. , 2015).
In contrast to the above statements Groves and Hinton, 2013, have said that “There are
many NGOs which are working for bringing improvement in the working conditions of the
fashion industry as they think that it is no place for the children” (Groves and Hinton, 2013). One
of the working model Ziff has stated that “We often see child models who are forced by the
fashion designers to pose and to walk for their clothes properly but those child models lack
maturity to handle and control those situations which makes them to suffer from burden and
other problems” (Ziff, 2013). Similarly Turker and Altuntas, 2014, have found that “Modeling is
not good for the girl child as there body changes and if she has got success at a very young age
then she will be forced and pressurized by the parents and other designers to maintain her
measurements” (Turker and Altuntas, 2014).
Li and et.al, 2014, have concluded that “Models are treated as the independent
contractors in the fashion industry rather than employees and due to this they are not able to
unionize” (Li and et.al, 2014). In context to this Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013, have
found that “Lack of union in the field of models creates lack of protection against the sexual
harassment in the work” (Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013). On the other hand Boyden,
2013, has stated that “Designers and agents hires thin, tall and 14 to 16 years child because they
think that their clothes will look better and beautiful on them instead of 20 to 30 years women”
(Boyden, 2013).
Workers:
In a research Turker and Altuntas, 2014, have found that “170 million child are working
in various textile and garment industries for satisfying the demands of the customers in Europe,
and other developed countries” (Turker and Altuntas, 2014). In favour to this Arrigo, 2013, has
stated that “Cheap labour is available in many developing and undeveloped countries which
easily fulfill the demand of cheaper labour source of textile industries” (Arrigo, 2013). In a
survey Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013, have identified that “The children of countries like India
and Bangladesh are ready to work at very low prices and due to this, garment industries brought
these children to their workplace under false promises of earning good wages” (Alzúa, Cruces
and Ripani, 2013). In oppose to this Mihók and et.al, 2011, have asserted that “People living at
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rural areas send their daughters to the mills with the promises of good accommodations, tasty
meals, schooling opportunities, etc for getting good life” (Mihók and et.al, 2011). As per the
research of National Labour Committee, 2006, it has been found that “200 children at the age of
11 are used by the textile industries for sewing the clothes for Wal-Mart, Puma, J.C.Penny, etc in
Bangladesh”
On the other hand Østby and et.al, 2013, have explained that “Child labour are specially
used for the fashion due to the requirement of low skilled labour by the supply chain” (Østby and
et.al, 2013). Similarly Featherstone, Morris and White, 2013, have found that “Cotton industry
hires children for picking cotton as their small and soft hands do not damage the crop”
(Featherstone, Morris and White, 2013). By giving more emphasis to the union Alcalá and et.al ,
2014, have concluded that “There is no union which can help these child labours to bargain for
better working conditions with appropriate wages and it is the main reason that they are targeted
more by the industries” (Alcalá and et.al , 2014).
Apple, 2013, has demonstrated that “Fashion industry is using children for work at all the stages
of the supply chain which includes production of cotton seeds in Benin to yarn spinning in India”
(Apple, 2013). In favour to this De Pauw, 2014, has said that “Clothes are prepared by the textile
industries by using children for satisfying the needs and expectations of the UK people” (De
Pauw, 2014).
Thus, it is clear from the above statements that the condition of both the model and
workers are bad and they are facing various issues. The most important issue is they are losing
their childhood under burden and lots of abuses.
2.3 Child labour abuse
International Labour Organization has given a definition of child labour as the work that
deprives children from childhood as well as their dignity. It further proves to be harmful for their
physical and mental development. Activities of child labour further denies the kids with basic
rights in form of education, leisure activities and living a healthy life.
Child labour
Kitzinger, 1997 has concluded that “Using child labour in business operations is
completely restricted by government but still there are some industries in which child labour
plays very important role” (Kitzinger, 1997). Gilbert and Thompson, 1996 has stated that “low
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wages and salaries and shortage of labour force are considered as major reasons behind the use
of child labour in business operations” (Gilbert and Thompson, 1996). Major hospitality and
fashion industries use child labours for running their business operation in low cost. Fashion is
one of the major part of this industry and use most of the child labour for this profession. It is
known as most unregulated field of fashion industry and relies on a compliant labour force of
children.
Types of Child abuse:
Antman, 2013, has stated that “There are various types of child abuses which consists of
physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological, emotional” (Antman, 2013). With respect to the
physical abuse Franck, 2013, has found that “17.6% of children were physically abused in 2010
and out of them mostly were from the fashion industry” (Franck, 2013). On the other hand Li
and et.al, 2014, have given emphasis to the sexual abuse and said that “70% of female workers
including girl child are sexually harassed yearly in fashion industry of the developing countries”
(Li and et.al, 2014). He further add that the developed countries has less cases related to the child
abuse and child labour as compare to the developing countries due to the strict rules and
regulations. For example: In U.S.,the percentage of sexually abused women in their childhood is
15 to 20 and male is 5 to 15.
Child labour abuse in developing countries
With respect to the developing countries Bordo, 2013, has demonstrated that “Due to
improper development of the fashion industries of developing countries such as India,
Bangladesh, Nepal,Pakistan etc designers started asking to the girl child of age 14 to 16 for the
topless shots and poses seductively” (Bordo, 2013). Similarly Alcalá and et.al , 2014 ,have
asserted that “Some parents who are facing financial problems also force their children for doing
modelling and related works for improving their living standard and to enjoy a good life style”
(Alcalá and et.al , 2014). As per these statements, the laws, policies, rules and regulations of the
developing countries are not strict in the matter of child labour and child abuse which makes
fashion industries to take benefits of it.
Child labour abuse in developed countries
Sloth-Nielsen, 2013, has identified that “UK is a developed country but it still have child
abuse issues in fashion industry which is confirmed in the Kids Fashion week where children of
age 14 were doing modelling for the marketing of clothes” (Sloth-Nielsen, 2013). Similarly
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Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013, have concluded that “In UK, 86.8% of girl child models
have been forced to pose nude during casting which shows the bad condition of its fashion
industry” (Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013). These statements shows that UK is a
developed country but instead of it, the fashion industry uses children for the marketing of their
brands. UK, government needs to be more strict for the child abuse laws, rules and regulations.
Child labour has lots of negative impacts on child such as damaging a child’s sense of
self, reduce the ability to have healthy relations and function at work and home. On the other
hand Kitzinger, 1997 blames fashion designers for child labour said that “It is shameful for the
fashion designers to use children for marketing of their products” (Kitzinger, 1997). These
statements represents the hidden real condition of the fashion industry. Behind the limelight and
attractiveness of the fashion industry their lies a terrible truth of child labour.
2.4 Impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions
Boycotts
Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013, have found that “Consumer actions can improve the
conditions and situations of the child labour in fashion industries” (Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani,
2013). He further said that educated consumer needs to know the reality of the textile industries
and tries to stop purchasing those products in which child labours are involved. Similarly Østby
and et.al, 2013, have stated that “Sometimes people boycotts for using the products which
involve child labour at the time of production” (Østby and et.al, 2013). In favour of this De
Pauw, 2014, has concluded that “Boycotts of clothes by the people can make the textile industry
child labour and abuse free” (De Pauw, 2014). In a research Whyte, 2013, has identified that
“From the top 10 cotton producers in the world, Australia is the only country which does not use
child labour” (Whyte, 2013).
In oppose of the above statements Aitken, 2013, has stated that “Do consumers really
care about the child labour while making buying decisions?” (Aitken, 2013). In addition to this,
he has further explained that consumer cares about the quality of cloth, its price, affordability
and nothing else. In favour of this Alcalá and et.al, 2014, have concluded that “Child models of
the fashion industry makes people to buy the products and its accessories. In reality consumers
get influenced by these models and tries to purchase those clothes and other products for
themselves or their child” (Alcalá and et.al, 2014). Similarly Antman, 2013, has asserted that
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“People get involves in the topics related to the child labour, their welfare, sexual harassment, etc
but at the time of purchasing they only thinks about the quality of product” (Antman, 2013).
Developed Country's customers
London and et.al, 2015, have demonstrated that “Consumers of the developed countries
are aware about the child labour and they cares about it while purchasing the products” (London
and et.al, 2015). Similarly Boyden, 2013, has stated that “Developed countries does not uses
child labour and their rules and regulations are also strong which prevents industries to use child
labour” (Boyden, 2013). With respect to the buyer's decisions Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013,
have said that “Many time people boycotts and conduct campaigns for stopping child labour in
the fashion industry but there is no effect of the industry. It is continuously using them either for
marketing or for producing clothes” (Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013). Similarly Edmonnds,
2007, has asserted that “People likes to watch the Kid's fashion weeks of UK for getting
knowledge of latest trends and fashions. They does not even care about the problems or issues
faced by the children during that time” (Edmonnds, 2007). As per the statements Apple, 2013,
has asserted that “Most of the people of UK are unaware about the reality behind the attractive
and eye-catching fashion industry and due to this they buy products without thinking about the
child labour” (Apple, 2013). In contrast to this Sloth-Nielsen, 2013, has found that “One of the
consumer of UK file suit against the fashion industry for using child models and worker” (Sloth-
Nielsen, 2013).
Ethical Consumers
Aitken, 2013, has identified that “Ethical consumers does not purchase such products and
do not like to watch the ramp walks due to their morale, values and emotions” (Aitken, 2013).
Similarly Franck, 2013, has stated that “Ethical consumers does not purchase from the
companies such as Walmart, Puma and other brands as they involve child labour in their working
environment” (Franck, 2013). In oppose to it Turker and Altuntas, 2014, have identified that
“Ethical consumers are a myth which in reality does not exists. Consumers purchase products as
per their convenience and requirement and child labour does not make them to stop purchasing
or to change their decisions” (Turker and Altuntas, 2014).
Thus, these all factors shows that people does not affects by the child labour and they
purchase what they want to purchase. But proper customer action can improve the life and
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condition of the child labour and can make industries to stop using children as labour and
abusing them.
2.5 Corporate Social Responsibilities and government regulations
Corporate Social Responsibilities:
Bharadwaj and et.al, 2013, have stated that “Corporate social responsibility belongs to
the business practice which involves participating in the initiatives for the welfare of the society”
(Bharadwaj and et.al, 2013). With respect to the CSR Groves and Hinton, 2013, has explained
that “Fashion and textile industries also includes corporate social responsibility for the welfare of
the children and society both” (Groves and Hinton, 2013).
Countries using CSR:
In a research Robson and McCartan, 2016, have said that “Fashion industry of Sri Lanka
uses CSR activities for balancing the ethical consideration against the commercial burden of cost
and time” (Robson and McCartan, 2016). He further explained that the companies does not like
to go beyond the regulations decided by the government. In favour to this Chaawla and Sondhi,
2012, have asserted that “Textile industries of Sri Lanka works by including strict national
labour laws, talented and skilled employees, industrial upgrading and CSR activities ” (Chaawla
and Sondhi, 2012).
On the other hand Li and et.al, 2014, have given more emphasis to the New Zealand and
demonstrated that “Foundations of New Zealand are doing CSR activities for making garment
industries free of child labour. Those brands which apply for accreditation give their all the
information regarding the manufacturing, components and sourcing along with the no use of
child labour” (Li and et.al , 2014).
With respect to the European industry Boyden, 2013, has concluded that “The textile
industry of Europe is facing problems due to the high labour cost and high environmental
standards and to resolve this problem they have started doing CSR” (Boyden, 2013). Similarly
Mihók and et.al, 2011, have identified that “By recycling the textile products, minimizing the
toxic substances, reducing the waste, considering the product life cycle and by reducing the
energy usage, UK textile industries are doing social welfare” (Mihók and et.al, 2011). In oppose
to it Featherstone, Morris and White, 2013, have explained that “In sweatshops of UK, there is
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ignorance and wide neglect towards the basic rights of the child labour along with minimum
wages” (Featherstone, Morris and White, 2013).
Corporate Social Responsibility and Child Labour:
Østby and et.al , 2013, have stated that “Companies are more concerned about the use of
child labour in their supply chain due to the increase of awareness regarding the child labour
among the people ” (Østby and et.al , 2013). Similarly Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013,
have said that “Textile firms thinks that use of child labour will affect their image, value and
market position and due to this they have started doing CSR activities” (Barrientos, Kothari and
Phillips, 2013). In favour of this Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013, have demonstrated that “As per
the ILO-IPEC, fashion industry are doing efforts for reducing the child labour and to increasing
the compliance with the child labour standards of ILO” (Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013).
With respect to the above statements Gardetti and Torres, 2013, have explained that “ILO
has made some child labour standards which includes Convention No. 138 on Minimum age and
Convention No. 182 on worst forms of child labour” (Gardetti and Torres, 2013). In context to
this Bharadwaj and et.al, 2013, have concluded that “Various sections of the ILO supports the
multi-stakeholder child labour platforms for handling the child labour in supply chain”
(Bharadwaj and et.al, 2013).
Government Regulations:
Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013, have said that “United Nations Convention on the
rights of child have decided particular age of the children. It is illegal to stimulate child under the
age of 15 to work in industries. Along with it, it is also illegal to stimulate children under the age
of 18 to do hazardous work” (Barrientos, Kothari and Phillips, 2013). Similarly Flick, 2015, has
identified that “Due to the strict regulations of the government, UICEF, ILO and UDP, child
labour has been decreased in cotton industry” (Flick, 2015).
On the other hand Rodriguez and Sanchez, 2012, have demonstrated that “The
government of England and Wales provides in the common law i.e. Guardian by the law of
nature that protection and security of the children are in the hands of their parents” (Rodriguez
and Sanchez, 2012). Similarly Turker and Altuntas, 2014, have asserted that “The children Act
1989 of UK is the basic right for providing safe and secure environment to the children” (Turker
and Altuntas, 2014). In addition to this De Pauw, 2014, has found that “Government of both
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developed and developing countries are forming regulations and laws for providing education,
medicine, employment and justice rights to the children” (De Pauw, 2014).
2.6 Different ways for reducing child labour in fashion industry of UK
Both developed and developing countries are taking actions for improving the conditions
of the child labour by making strict laws. With reference to it London and et.al, 2015, have stated
that “UK government says that child labour has right to voice their thoughts on the matters
affecting them and through it we can able to reduce the problems of child labour” (London and
et.al, 2015).
Transparency and traceability: Mihók and et.al, 2011, have said that “Brands of UK needs to
focus on their supply chain for identifying the use of child labour in the production. Proper
transparency and trace-ability will help in reducing the child labour from the textile industries”
(Mihók and et.al, 2011). Similarly Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013, have explained that “Famous
brands and retailers needs to improve their traceability of raw material. For example: Use of
cotton in the clothes” (Alzúa, Cruces and Ripani, 2013).
Work with the local and international civil society organizations: Apple, 2013, has stated that
“Civil organizations conduct various programs for the welfare of the child labour” (Apple,
2013). Similarly Aitken, 2013, has found that “Firms can join these civil and local societies for
improving the conditions of the child labour” (Aitken, 2013). In context to it Franck, 2013, has
explained that “Stop Child labour is working for elimination of child labour from the various
levels of the textile industries. They are working for providing full time and quality education to
the children for their welfare and proper awareness” (Franck, 2013). Thus, various civil
organizations can improve the living standard of the child labour and can also eliminate it from
the fashion industry.
Providing facilities and quality education to the child labour: Groves and Hinton, 2013, have
demonstrated that “Firms can improve the conditions of the child labour by providing them
proper and required facilities such as quality education, good wages, proper health and safety,
etc” (Groves and Hinton, 2013). In favour of this Aitken, 2013, has concluded that “It is not
necessary that child labour leave their jobs. They can do their jobs under the provided quality
facilities with proper education. Firms can provide temporary financial support, adult support,
etc for their better development” (Aitken, 2013). Therefore, companies also can improve the
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living style of the child labour and develop their skills, knowledge and abilities by providing
them quality education.
Enabling child labour to stand up for their rights: Turker and Altuntas, 2014, have asserted that
“Child labour should aware about their rights which will help them in forming their union”
(Turker and Altuntas, 2014). Similarly Østby and et.al, 2013, have identified that “Fashion and
textile industry needs to provide proper training to their child workers for creating proper
awareness with respect to their rights. These training should be delivered by the trade unions or
labour right organizations. These training will aware child labour about their rights and make
them to bargain collectively, to demand their rights with respect to the health and safety,
education, etc” (Østby and et.al , 2013).
2.7 Research gap
It is concluded from this research that children are facing various problems and issues in
the fashion and textile industry. The reason for conducting this research is to determine the
assessing of child labour in fashion industry. Most of the researchers have their own studies on
child labour but for specific nation or country. Researchers have conducted various investigation
on the child labour but there is not any research on the fashion industry with respect to the child
models and workers. Along with this, some of research papers have not focused on each and
every aspect of child labour. So, author wants to investigation child labour in fashion industry in
all over the world. Due to this, present investigation gives more focus to the use of child labour
in textile and fashion industry.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
Research methodology can be defined as a process of resolving research problem in
effective manner. Major purpose of this is to discover the solution of the research question
through the application of scientific procedures. Research onion is the best way to select
appropriate methods and tools for whole investigation. Robson and McCartan, 2016 has asserted
that “research methodology is an onion and research problem consists in the centre and several
layers of this layer helps in getting appropriate solution of the research problem” (Robson and
McCartan, 2016). These layers include research philosophy, design and strategy. Further, it also
comprises data collection methods, analysis and sampling tools. Mackey and Gass, 2015 has
concluded that “Every investigation focuses on a particular research problem so, methodology
section also differ from one study to another” (Mackey and Gass, 2015). The current chapter
include different methods of the research with justification.
Figure 1: Research Onion
(Source: Mackey and Gass, 2015)
3.2 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy refers to the development of background, knowledge and its nature
with respect to the investigation. There are two types of the research philosophy which includes
positivism and interpretivism. In this, positivism refers to the study of the philosophical positions
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of the research with the help of the verifiable data and scientific methods (Positivism. 2016). On
the other hand, interpretivism is opposite to the positivism and refers to the study of the social
science. Both the type of research philosophy is used by the author for resolving the issues lies in
the investigations (Robson and McCartan, 2016).
For the present study, researcher will use both positivism and interpretivism as a
combination for finding the answers of the questions related to the child labour. By selecting
positivism, researcher will be independent of collecting the information according to the natural
phenomena, their properties and relations as per the study. Author will derive the required
information from the sensory and interpreted experiences by finding the reason and logic behind
them. In contrast to it, interpretivism will be used by the investigator for doing subjective
research by understanding the weak predictions. The relation of the researcher with the
investigation i.e. child labour in fashion industry will be cooperative, participate and interactive.
Thus, use of both the philosophy will provide effective measures in the form of qualitative and
quantitative information to the study of child labour in the fashion industry (Mackey and Gass,
2015).
3.3 Research Approach
The next step of the research onion after research philosophy is research approach which
helps the author in finding the effective and proper solutions of the issues which presents in the
study. There are two types of the research approaches: deductive and inductive. Deductive
approach includes various test for examining the validity of the hypothesis, theories or
assumptions with respect to the subject of the research. Whereas, inductive approach is used for
the creation of new theories and generalizations (Flick, 2015).
For the present investigation, author has selected deductive approaches for gathering the
quantitative and qualitative data for the child labour in the fashion industry. The reason behind
using this approach is selecting the specific information about the child labour in various
countries for the investigation as inductive approach needs detailed analysis which is not
required for this study. Researcher has developed theories or hypothesis in order to assess the
effects of the child labour in fashion industry and then test them to find out their validity. He has
selected the best and suitable hypothesis otherwise rejected it (Miller and et.al, 2012).
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Figure 2: Deductive Approach
Source: (Research approach, 2016)
3.4 Research Strategy
After selecting research approach, author has moved towards the next step of the research
onion i.e. research strategy. It is a type of methodology which helps author in determining the
issues and problems of the investigation. An effective planning of the research strategy consists
of the clear objectives, data collection resources, questions of the research, etc which results to
proper utilization of the research limitations. It contains various strategies such as survey, case
study, experimental, grounded theory, action research and many more (Anfara and Mertz, 2014).
For the current study, author has use a research strategy which has helped him in getting
proper data about the child labour in fashion industry. Survey research strategy is used by the
researcher for identifying the thoughts, opinions, perceptions and feelings of the people. Author
has chosen this strategy because it is easy and simple to collect information in limited time
period with the help of it. For the present research, investigator has conducted survey of the
fashion professionals and child labour of the fashion industry. With respect to it, author has
prepared two questionnaires for the two type of population i.e. child labour and fashion
professionals. This strategy has helped in collecting appropriate data for the research in limited
amount of money and resources (Chaawla and Sondhi, 2012).
3.5 Research Choices
In research onion next step after the research strategy is research choice. This choice is
totally depends upon the available time, money and resources of the researcher. There are three
types of research choices which consists of the mixed method, multiple method and mono
method. In this, multiple method consists use of multiple methods i.e. more than one for
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collecting the data for a research. On the other hand, mixed method refers to the mixing of
quantitative and qualitative information, their methods, approaches, strategies, etc with respect to
the investigation. For the single data either quantitative or qualitative, mono method is being
used by the author in his investigation (Tuohy and et.al, 2013).
As researcher is collecting qualitative information for the child labour in fashion industry,
he has selected the multiple method as a research choice. Multiple method is effective for both
type of information and has helped the investigator in achieving its objectives of the research and
finding the solutions of the problems exists in it. Along with this, author can use more than one
approaches, strategies, theories for getting data about the child labour in fashion industry of the
various countries (Farrington and et.al, 2012).
3.6 Time Horizon
After deciding research choices, researcher has moved towards time horizon layer of the
research approach. The time horizon layer of the research onion are of two types: longitudinal
and cross sectional. Longitudinal time horizon is selected by the author when he has to study the
occurred change or development over a long period of time. It requires depth and proper analysis
of the study in long time period. Whereas in cross sectional time horizon, a certain subject is
studied at a specific point in time and due to this only specific, important and rare data is
collected by the investigator in this approach (Bryman, 2015).
As per the above statements, researcher has chosen cross sectional time horizon for this
investigation. Longitudinal time horizon is beneficial and suitable for the detailed researches for
a long span of time which is not required in this study and due to this, author has not selected this
approach. This study of child labour in fashion industry requires specific information in a limited
time period and due to this reason author has selected cross sectional approach. In addition,
information with respect to the study has been taking from the fashion professionals and child
labour themselves (Kondylis and Manacorda, 2012).
3.7 Techniques and Procedures
Data Collection:
Data collection layer of the research onion helps in gathering the important, specific and
relevant data as per the study. This layer of research onion is one of the essential layer as it helps
in collecting appropriate data with the help of different research instruments. Data collection
consists of two methods: primary data collection method and secondary data collection method.
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Primary method refers to the collection of real and fresh information with the help of various
instruments such as questionnaire, survey, face to face interviews, etc. On the other hand
secondary method consists of the collection of previously used data with the help of past
researches, journals, websites, etc (Goworek, 2011).
In the present investigation, author has chosen secondary data collection method for
gathering effective and relevant information for the issues which has been existed in this study.
By using secondary data collection method, author has collected historical information with
respect to the use of child labour in various countries and its impact on the education of the
children. Literature review has selected by the investigator in the form of research instrument for
gathering past information from the fashion professionals and regulatory authorities of child
labour. In contrast to it, investigator has been using journals, websites, and previous researches
for the secondary data collection for the current study. Thus, this technique has helped researcher
in accomplishing its research based objectives (Pecora and et.al, 2012).
Data Analysis:
It is the last layer of the research onion and important also as it helps in analyzing the
data on the basis of the topic of the study. There are two types of data analysis methods thematic
analysis and statistical analysis. Thematic analysis is one of the common form which is used for
qualitative research. On the other hand, statistical analysis is based on the quantitative research
(Gilbert, Parton and Skivenes, 2011).
As per the above discussions, it is clear that author has used qualitative information for
this investigation. But the information has collected with the help of secondary data collection
methods. With respect to this, researcher has chosen thematic analysis for analyzing the obtained
qualitative data in the form of themes. Qualitative analysis of data includes various graphs, charts
and diagrams. So investigator has selected right method for it. Therefore, this approach has
helped investigator in analysing qualitative data effectively (Robson and McCartan, 2016).
3.8 Ethical issues and Consideration
Investigator has faced various ethical issues at the time of research. For handling these
issues, author has taken ethical considerations in the investigation. Plagiarism is one of the major
issue of any research and to handle it, investigator has used proper citations and references in this
study of child labour in fashion industry (Mackey and Gass, 2015).
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With the above ethical considerations, author has kept all the literature at the safe and
secure place for keeping the confidential information safe. Researcher has also share the
information properly and effectively so that confidential and private information kept safe
(Miller and et.al, 2012).
3.9 Research Limitations
Research has some limitations which restricts investigators for conducting proper and
effective research. Similarly, investigator has faced some limitations while completing this study
of child labour in fashion industry. One of the major limitation of this study is time. Researcher
has short span of time for completing this study and for finishing it effectively, advance
technologies have been used by the author at the time of data analysis. Another limitation is lack
of experience. For fulfilling this limitation in short period of time, author read various
magazines, past researches, journals, websites about the child labour in fashion industry, its
impact, rules and regulations for it in various counties, etc. (Kondylis and Manacorda, 2012).
Thus, above paragraphs shows that investigator has chosen appropriate strategies with
respect to the limitations of the study and applied them at the appropriate place in effective
manner which has resulted to resolve the problems of the study (Bryman, 2015).
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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
Data analysis can be defined as a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming and
modelling the data as per the goal and objective for making final conclusion for the investigation.
There are different methods for examining collected facts and figures such as qualitative tools of
data analysis. Thematic analysis are generally used by researcher for examining qualitative
information and quantitative methods are used by studies for analysing numerical facts and
figures of the research subject. For the current investigation researcher has applied qualitative
methods of data analysis. For analysing subjective information author has applied thematic
analysis. All these methods has played very significant role in finding appropriate solution of
every research question that has helpful in attaining goals and objectives in effective manner.
4.2 Thematic analysis
It is one of the important method for analysing qualitative or subjective information about
the child labour in fashion industry of entire world. Researcher has applied different themes,
diagrams, graphs and charts for conducting thematic analysis. These helped in understanding the
employment of child labour in fashion industry. Further, thematic analysis has also played
important role in examining level of child abuse in this industry. Including this, using the
qualitative analysis researcher can easily assess CSR policies and government regulations for
controlling child labour in fashion industry. Thematic analysis for the current investigation is as
follows:
Theme 1: Child labour in fashion industry.
To determine that whether fashion organizations are employed child labour or not, author
has analysed number of research articles on child labour in fashion industry. So, findings of this
analysis have reflected that fashion industry recruits child labour for different operation. On the
other hand, conclusion of some research paper have disclosed that fashion organizations do not
hire child labour for various business operations. Overall, as per the fashion professionals most
of the fashion organizations are hiring child labour for manufacturing and other business
operations.
Theme 2: Employment profile of child labour in fashion industry.
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As per the above findings researcher has disclosed the existence of child labour in fashion
industry. But, researcher wants to identify that in which role child labour are working in this
industry. Therefore, determine the major role of child labour in fashion industry is also one of the
major objective of the current investigation. Findings of literature have reflected that most of the
child labours work as worker in different lower level of operations in garment manufacturing
organizations of fashion industry. There is a specific reason behind it because most of the
business operation in fashion industry can be accomplished without any skills and experience.
Children’s can do all these operations ta low wages and salary. For example, developing cotton
balls for cloths manufacturing, fashion industry required child because small hands of children
can reduce the wastage of cotton. Therefore, they prefers children for such kind of works. Along
with this, in developing countries child girls get appropriate knowledge about stitching and other
daily routine works from family members. This knowledge and experience influence them
towards the fashion industry. Therefore, child labour plays role of worker in different fashion
manufacturing organizations. On the other hand, most of the researchers have found that child
labour play role of model in fashion industry as role models in ramp walks and fashion events.
Children have more beautiful and cuteness in their face as compare to adults which is one of the
major requirement of any fashion event. Child workers can promote products and services of
fashion organizations in more appropriate manner. So, most of the fashion professional select
child model for purpose of modelling. Overall, above theme has reflected that workers and
models are considered as major role of child labour in fashion industry of entire world.
Theme 3: Customer don’t wants to buy that particular clothing products which are
developed by an organization that uses child labour for manufacturing and promotion
purpose.
Literature review has reflected that customers do not give preference to those cloths and
products which are developed by that organization which are used child labour. So, author wants
to found the actual truth and present opinion of the customers towards child labour. This is the
major reason behind the analysis of the customer’s perception towards products and services of
fashion organizations. Analysis of the research articles has reflected that most of the customers
do not use to purchase products from that organization which employ child for different
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operations. But, on the other hand there are some research papers which have used primary data
collection and findings of these paper have shown that most of the customers don’t care about
the involvement of child labour at the time of making purchase decision. Because they just focus
on quality of the products and services rather than internal employee environment of the
company. Overall, above theme has disclosed that child labour can affect they customer’s
perception in negative manner. It will have negative impact on fashion organizations and
industry as well.
Theme 4: Countries which are highly used child labour for fashion or textile industry.
For the current investigation author has used different articles on fashion industry of
various countries. These information have helped in identifying all those countries who are
highly used child labour for different operations of the garment and fashion industry. According
to literature Developing countries are using child labour for their business operations rather than
developed nation. Along with this, most of the developed nation uses to import raw material and
cloths from developing nation which have used child labour for business operations. So, major
countries are Egypt, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Thailand and China which are
using child labour for various operations. All these countries are developing nation. Therefore,
findings of the current theme have concluded that developing nation use child labour for daily
operations.
Theme 5: Appropriate way to control child labour in all over the world.
Author wants to determine different ways to control child labour in all over the industry,
so, author has selected some research papers which focused on child labour control in not only
fashion but also other industries also. Findings of such papers have supported that transparency
and traceability are appropriate ways to control child labour in fashion industry. Along with this,
historical research studies have also believed that different fashion organization can control child
labour by doing work with the local and international civil society organizations. Similarly,
insights of literature review has also concluded that regulatory authorities providing appropriate
facilities and qualitative education can also reduce the child labour in this industry. Along with
this, some research papers have reflected that regulatory authorities have thought that enabling
child labour to stand up for their rights is also considered as a way for controlling child labour.
Theme 6: Most appropriate factor that are considered by the CSR policies for child labour.
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According to the research objectives author wants to analyse the CSR polices in against
of child labour. The current theme has helped in determining different factors which needs to be
considered by fashion organizations at the time of developing their own CSR policies because
these factors help in reducing child labour from entire industry. According to the results of
literature, CSR policies of an organization needs to focus on education of children. Similarly,
according to the some other research studies rights of children is also most important factor
which needs to be focused by organization at the time of developing own CSR policies. Author
has included different research articles which have focused on actions and plans of regulatory
authorities for reducing child labour in fashion and other industries. So, findings of such studies
have shown that child labour issues, health and safety and development of nation are also
significant factor that needs to be focused by fashion organization at the time of developing CSR
policies. Therefore, all these policies play very important role in bringing control over child
labour in fashion industry of entire world.
Theme 7: Major initiatives which need to be taken by government of different nations for
controlling child labour.
As per the literature review author has found that child labour is one of the crucial issue for
fashion industry of different nation. So, for resolving this issue government of every country
needs to take appropriate actions. Analysis of the collected data has reflected that government of
every nation needs to focus on better corporate governance and development of child labour
laws. Similarly, some research articles have disclosed that government of every nation needs to
focus on conducting different programs for involvement of public which will help in increasing
the awareness of society about the child labour issue. In contrast, awareness program and special
schools are also important initiatives which needs to be taken by government of nation to control
child labour in fashion industry. Overall, findings of literature has helped in attaining aim and
objective of the current investigation in appropriate way.
Theme 8: Major countries which are taking initiatives to control child labour in fashion
industry.
For attaining aim and objectives author needs to identify different countries which are
taking initiatives for controlling child labour. So, literature have helped in identifying all those
countries. According to the historical research most of the developed nation have improved their
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employment rules and regulations for reducing child labour. Along with this, these countries do
not import cloths and other garments from those nation which use child labour for business
operations. As per the research findings author has found that Sri Lanka, New Zealand,
Australia, United Kingdom and United States. These are the major countries which are taking
corrective actions to control child labour in fashion industry as well. Overall, research study has
attained aim and objectives in effective manner.
Theme 9: Child abuse in fashion industry.
According to the research findings most of children are sexually abused by different
fashion organizations. Few studies have referred for physical abuse of child labour. But on the
other hand there are some research studies which have disclosed that child are emotionally
abused by the fashion organizations. In literature review some studies have followed primary
data collection methods as per their findings most of the fashion professional thought that in this
industry most of the child labour are sexually abused. Insights of some literature have thought
that most of the children re also faced problem of psychological abuse. Overall, as per the
analysis of results researcher has found that sexual abuse is one of the major negative effects of
child labour in fashion industry.
Theme 10: Level of child abuse in fashion industry is very high.
For assessing child labour in fashion industry author needs to identify the level of child
abuse also. So, author has included some research studies which have included information about
the different cases of child labour abuse. According to the findings of the literature most of the
models who are working in fashion industry have faced some kind of abuse at the time of child
or teenage. Most of the child models have faced the sexual and physical abuse. Therefore, level
of child abuse is very high in fashion industry. Similarly, child worker who are working in
garment industry for manufacturing process of cloths and other garments also face different kind
of abuse such as emotional, physical and sexual. Overall, researcher have observed that child
labours are highly abused in the fashion industry which can affect the development of fashion
organization as well as development of nation. Because it has negative impact on physical and
mental health of children which can affect the future young generation of nation.
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4.4 Interpretation and discussion
Author has applied qualitative tools for analysing the secondary data which have
collected by study from past research studies on child labour abuse. As per the above analysis
author has found that most of the research studies have concluded different thoughts for different
aspects of child abuse. Findings and results have concluded that fashion industry of various
countries are using child labour for their growth and success. These child labour are in the form
of workers and models. Workers are used in the manufacturing industries and child models are
used in fashion industry for influencing people to purchase the clothes and other accessories of
the fashion designers. It is also concluded that child labour impacts on the buying decision of the
customer as they are against it. Due to this, they do not like purchase the clothes and other
accessories which are formed or represented by the child labour. Findings shows that there are
various appropriate ways for solving the problem of child labour in fashion industry. These are
transparency and trace-ability, joining local and international associations related to it, providing
education to them and enabling children to stand for their rights. Therefore, regulatory
authorities of every nation needs to make appropriate arrangement of education of children
which helps in increasing attraction of children towards education rather than money. Including
this regulatory authorities need sot take action to increase awareness of parents about the
importance of studies for children.
Along with it, companies can follow CSR activities for the development and welfare of
the child labour. This will help in developing the nation, providing rights to the child labour,
their proper education and solving the other issues regarding the child labour. From the findings
it is concluded that there is need for taking major actions by the government of various countries.
These actions should give emphasis to the education, proper child laws, better governance,
awareness programs and many more for the development of child labour.
Data analysis chapter have also given shed light on another aspect of child labour which
is child abuse in fashion industry. According to the findings, child workers and models face
different types of abusive behaviour of their employer and fashion professionals. Therefore,
physical, emotional and sexual abuse are considered as major problem for child labour in this
industry. Level of abuse is also very high which has negative impacts on physical and mental
health of child workers of garment industry. It leads reduction in development of a nation.
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Overall, child labour is one of the crucial problem of this industry which affect every country
and its development.
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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATION
5.1 Conclusion
In this investigation, author has conducted research on the issue of child labour in fashion
industry of all over world. Researcher has determined that condition of child labour in fashion
industry is worse. Textile and fashion industries are using children in the form of models and
workers for its growth, development and success. The current investigation has used most
appropriate research methods for conducting investigation. Secondary data collection methods
have helped in analysing most of the past research findings which have helped in attaining aim
and objectives of the current investigation in very effective manner. Further, analysis of the
findings have helped in concluding the following results:
Countries high child labour
Examiner has concluded that there are some countries in which level of using child
labour is very high and these are generally developing countries. The rules and regulation of
these developing countries such as India, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc are not so strict
which make fashion industry to use child labour for marketing of their clothes or for producing
cloth.
Author further determined from the proposed study that India, Bangladesh and
Uzbekistan uses child labour in its cotton textile industries. Child labour is being used by this
textile industry at every level of supply chain. On the other hand, researcher has identified from
this investigation that Egypt, China and Thailand also uses child labour in their garment and
fashion industry. The rules of Egypt and China are strict as compare to the other countries but
still not in such condition which can remove child labour totally from the nation.
Role of child labour in fashion industry
As per the study, researcher has concluded that role played by the child labour are of two
types: workers and models. Child models are used by the fashion industry for the marketing of
their clothes among the customers whereas child workers are being used by the textile industries
for production of clothes. On the other hand, author has also evaluated that fashion industry uses
child labour for low cost. Children works as the employees in their companies but companies
takes them as low cost resources. Along with this, child models results to influence the users
through their attractive dresses. Due to this, child model and workers faces various kind of
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abuses such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuses, etc which results to their
improper development.
Level of child labour abuse in fashion industry
Examiner has identified from this research that level of child labour is very high in
fashion industry. The level of child labour is more in developing countries as compare to the
developed countries. Author further examined that Australia has very low level of child labour
due to the strict rules and regulations. On the other hand, UK and US has low level of child
workers in the textile industry whereas high level of child models in fashion industry. This level
of child labour represents the development and growth of children in that particular country.
Children started working at very small age which affects their education, mentality and physical
development which makes them to suffer from various kinds of disease or disorders. Researcher
stated from this research that it is important to reduce the level of child labour for proper and
effective development of the nation.
Impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions
Investigator has found from the proposed study that child labour influences the buying
decision of customers. It is concluded by the author that customers does not like to purchase
those products which are formed by the child labour as they are against it. Educated users rejects
those products which are formed by the child labour and does not prefer to watch fashion shows
and other related activities. This rejection affects the growth and success of the organisation as it
reduces the sales of the product or services which results to affect the economy of the nation and
due to this developing countries cannot able to develop themselves. Investigator determined that
improper development of children also affects the growth and development of the country.
CSR policies of fashion organizations
Author has concluded from the present study that fashion organisation needs to follow
proper CSR policies for the welfare and development of the children. Investigator has
determined that CSR policies of different countries are different but their aim is same i.e. welfare
and development of the child labour. Some countries includes children’s right, development of
nation and children education to their CSR policies whereas some countries involves child labour
issues and health and safety measures to their CSR activities. Examiner further found that some
organisations have started using CSR for the development of children. They have listed
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themselves in some associations which works for the child labour for not using child model and
workers in their working environment. Investigator identified that it is important to educate
children so that fight for their rights in the garment and fashion industry.
Government regulations towards child labour
From the whole research, author has determined that government of both developing and
developed countries are working for the welfare of child labour and due to this they are forming
laws, rules and regulations. But some countries have strict and strong rules which prevents
organisation to use child labour whereas the laws of developing countries are not so strong which
does not affect the companies. Investigator further examined that Government is giving
preferences to the education, establishment of schools, expansion of child labour laws, public
involvement programs and overall awareness programs with respect to the child labour. From the
current study, researcher identified that there is no union for the child labour which can aware
them about their rights and advantages. Organisations also do not explain employment rights to
the child labour due to the lack of strict rules and regulations.
Challenges
It is found by the author that various challenges are faced by the nation due to the child
labour. Government has created laws and regulations but organisations are not ready to follow
them due to the lack of strictness. Along with this, investigator identified that developing nations
are facing issues regarding the poverty, unemployment and improper education which make its
citizen to take wrong step like child labour. For getting a normal life people of rural areas send
their daughters to the textile industries by making face promises. Along with it, investigator has
determined that some developing countries such as India, China, etc has over population due to
which people does not get good quantity of resources for their development which results to
cause illegal works like child labour. Due to the lack of proper education, individuals suffer from
unemployment and due to this they force their children to work at industries for solving their
financial problem.
5.2 Recommendation
Recommendation for controlling child labour in fashion industry are as follows:
 Society: For controlling over child labour in fashion industry, society should require to
take some initiatives. With the respect of present conditions, community has adopt
children by opening some orphans where adopted children can stay there. On the other
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hand, by taking responsibilities of admission of child in the school, it can be easy to
control over child labour trend in fashion industry. With the help of this, the community
can stop child abuse situation and educate the children. Beside this, by child awareness
activities, society can make some control on child labour situation in fashion industry.
 Government: For control on child labour in fashion industry, the contribution and efforts
of society is not enough. The government initiatives should also require for make tight
control over child labour situations. In this context, the government of various nations
should promote child education. The education level help the children to aware about the
impacts of child labour. Along with this, government should start some public
involvement events which help in creating the awareness between the public about child
labour in fashion industry. On the other hand, by establishment of some special schools,
the children who are doing labour in childhood can be educated in minimum cost. It assist
them to understand their own good and bad aspects and take better decisions in life.
 CSR policies company: The companies have to adopt transparency and trace-ability
strategies which help in identifying whether the fashion industry are promoting child
labour or not. This can be considered as a CSP policies of the firm. In addition to this, the
fashion organizations should also maintain the transparency at the workplace and trace
the various operation activities to ensure that they are not supporting or using child labour
during any kind of business activities. On the other hand, the local and international
organizations should work together and develop some ways which can stop the increase
trends of child labour in fashion industry. Likely this, by delivering the better education
facilities to the children who are not financially capable to go school for education and
working as a labour in fashion industry. Therefore, by adopting the above stated
suggestions, it can be easy to reduce child labour trends in fashion industry.
5.3 Future scope of the research
The current research study has focused on child labour in fashion industry of all over the
world. It has identified the role of child labour in this industry. Along with this, findings of the
research has increased the future scope of the investigation. The current investigation will be
helpful for all those research scholars who want to conduct future investigation on similar
subjects. Including this, the current investigation has increased the scope of investigation on
child labour in other industry such as retail, hospitality, etc. Further, in future research can also
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conducted on child labour in different countries. Action for reducing child labour in fashion and
other industries is also one of the major scope of investigation. Therefore, the current
investigation has increased the future research scope for researchers.
5.4 Reflective statement
Assessing role of child labour in fashion industry was not a very easy task for me. I have
faced number of problems and challenges at the time of conducting investigation. Including this,
research papers has increased my learnings, skills and knowledge also. As a researcher I have
applied lots of strategies to overcome different barriers also.
Starting introduction chapter has helped in formulating aim and objectives for the current
investigation. After completing this chapter I have prepared with my research plan on child
labour. The current investigation has focused on literature review for collecting facts and figures.
So, now I am capable enough to critically analyse different research papers and studies. It
increased my knowledge and skills about the key word search also. Along with this, now I have
appropriate knowledge about different online libraries and journals by which a researcher can get
suitable literature for their study. Including this, literature has increased my understanding
towards role of child labour in fashion industry. Along with this, now I have knowledge about
that how child can be abused in fashion organization. Further, it has also augmented my learning
towards impacts of child labour on customer’s buying decisions and CSR policies which needs to
be developed by an organization for controlling child labour in their own organization. Now, I
have appropriate skills about different ways for controlling child labour so, at the time of starting
any kind of business in future I will consider these learnings which will help in reducing the
chances of child labour in my organization.
Research methodology was also one of the important chapter of this study which have
helped in conducting investigation in most appropriate way. This chapter has increased my skills
about the different strategies of research and methods of data collection. Along with this, it has
also augmented my learnings about how to collect secondary information in effective manner.
At the time of secondary data collection I have faced issue about the lack of available literature.
So, for resolving this issue I have applied appropriate strategy such as advance research option
for collecting secondary data collection method. Including this, it has also augmented my skills
and ability of critical analysis and data analysis. After completing this investigation now I can
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conduct future investigation on similar subjects as well. Therefore, current investigation has
increased both research and subjective knowledge.
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