Study of Child and Adolescent Labor in Ecuador: Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Cultural Factors Perpetuating Child Labor

The study examines child labor in Ecuador, a phenomenon defined by its detrimental impact on children's well-being and development. Despite legal measures to combat it, child labor persists due to economic and cultural factors. The research employs a Logit Model to analyze data from the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment (ENEMDU), focusing on children aged 5 to 14. Findings reveal that urban residence, male gender, school attendance, and higher household income reduce the likelihood of child labor, while ethnic minorities face higher risks. The Wald Test confirms the model's statistical significance, and 95.02% of observations are correctly predicted. Marginal effects analysis shows how each variable influences the probability of child labor. Cultural and economic factors, such as poverty and gender, play significant roles. While policy efforts have been made, achieving substantial and sustained reductions in child labor requires addressing complex socioeconomic and cultural challenges. Awareness, resources, and targeted interventions are crucial for long-term improvement.