Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: In 1989, the UN adopted the Child Rights Convention. The bottom line of the Convention is that children all over the world should avail of the same rights. This, many scholars in the western countries have argued, again amounts to the imposition of western values on the entire world. In 1989, the UN adopted the Child Rights Convention. The bottom line of the Convention is that children all over the world should avail of the same rights. This, many scholars in the western countries have argued, again amounts to the imposition of western values on the entire world. This study examines the relation between reality and desires of girls working in the garment industry. It describes their daily routines, their social relations, their work experience and their dreams. These are placed within the discussion of a universal versus a local childhood. Based on fieldwork findings, Froukje challenges the argument that child labourers desire a culturally-defined childhood over the universal childhood. It appears that in Tirupur, where so many of our garments are made, the principles of the CRC do not seem to be imposed by purely western values. The girls in this study may indeed come from traditional backgrounds, but long for change and are positive about their future.
In the discussion between relativists and universalists, the voice of the subject is often lacking. Froukje Gaasterland took on this challenge and went to live with the girls working in textile factories in Tirupur (India).
In the discussion between relativists and universalists, the voice of the subject is often lacking. Froukje Gaasterland took on this challenge and went to live with the girls working in textile factories in Tirupur (India).