American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Globalization has reshaped economic opportunities and social conditions, but its effects on children remain uneven. This communication examines the relationship between economic globalization, poverty, and child labour, with particular attention to the difficulties faced by children in vulnerable households. It considers how economic pressures can increase families’ dependence on children’s earnings and, in turn, limit children’s access to education, safety, and healthy development. The discussion also reviews the role of national and international legal measures in protecting children from exploitation and argues that legislation alone cannot address the economic conditions that sustain child labour. The Indian context is considered in relation to poverty, educational exclusion, and the legal regulation of child employment. The paper argues that effective protection of child rights requires measures that address household poverty, improve access to quality education, strengthen social protection, and provide safer livelihood opportunities for families. A balanced approach is therefore necessary to protect children’s rights while addressing the economic hardships that contribute to their involvement in work.