Child work, care and neglect in farmworker homes: an empirical critique of Social Reproduction Theory

What is it about?

Understanding Child Neglect in South African Farmworker Homes: This research explores a critical social issue: how children in farmworker homes experience neglect due to misaligned employment and education schedules. It specifically compares work in South African farmhomes with townhomes during employment hours. A 'Care Gap' and Its Consequences Was Found: The study reveals a significant 'care gap' for schoolchildren ranging from 15 (older children) to almost 34 (younger childern) hours per week, largely because of the mismatch between school and employment work schedules. This creates a social care deficit, which is particularly severe in townhomes. Without adequate childcare, children in homes experience child neglect, left alone or caring for younger siblings. This neglect leads to serious social risks: poor educational outcomes, truancy, teenage pregnancy, juvenile crime, accidents, abuse, and even kidnapping. While children in farmhomes generally benefit from on-farm childcare services, experiencing fewer care gaps, the situation in townhomes highlights a serious issue of structural social inequality. Challenging Existing Theories and Informing Policy: The findings challenge traditional understandings, particularly Social Reproduction Theory (SRT), by showing that 'work in homes' isn't just about adults. When adults and childcare services are lacking, it often results in child neglect as defined in policy and law. This research provides new data on the link between employment, work, care, and neglect. Why This Matters for South Africa: This study offers scientific data relevant to current policy and legislative climate. It clearly shows urgent reforms is needed to match employment and education schedules. This can address the social care deficit and child neglect, better support vulnerable children and adults, and reduce social inequalities.

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