Supply-Side Determinants of Child Labor: Evidence from Urban Bangladesh

Abstract

The paper reinvestigates the supply-side determinants of child labor relying on field survey data conducted in 2012 within urban area of Dhaka. To estimate the determinants, a logit regression model has incorporated. The results show that per capita income of household, mother’s income, parental education level adversely affect the likelihood of child working while children’s own income, adult male unemployment level and female household head, and farm holding positively influence the likelihood. Nevertheless, adult female unemployment level diminishes the probability of child working of girls. However, it is evident that banning child labor alone will not guarantee abolishing child labor in developing countries like Bangladesh. Moreover, it is essential to weaken the ‘push’ factors that force the child to economic activities.

Keywords: Child Labor, Logit Model, Marginal Effect, Bangladesh

JEL Classification: J13, C35