Figure 1.--Here we see boys working in a primitive port, somewhere in the Philippines. The snapshot is undated, but was probably taken in the 1920s. Many modern authors insist on making a connection between capitalism and child labor. Actually it was in capitalist countries that the problem of child labor was first addresses and in the underdeveloped countries that child labor was most pronounced.

A major activity for Philippino boys was work. Most Filipino boys worked from an early age. This was especially the case for unindustrialized, developing countries like the Philippines. Most Filipinos lived in rural areas and practiced subsistence agriculture. In the more remote islands, life was still largely tribal. As a result, most boys from an early age were involved in agricultural labor. Boys in the cities had more varied work experiences. The Spanish did very little to develop the economy. Outside the major cities, the Spanish influence was limited. The Spanish opened schools in the cities, but few Filipinp boys attended school in rural areas. It was not until the Americans arrived (1898) that the Philippines began to develop a more modern economomy. This of course affected jobs, including the work in which children were involved. And it is at this time that school begins to replace work as a primary activity for most Filipino boys. With independenc (1948) the economy did not develop as hoped. Unlike the Asian Tigers, the Philippines did not promote capitalist policies and become one of the Asian Tigers.

Created: 10:00 PM 9/22/2011
Last updated: 8:50 AM 11/23/2018