Abstract

Agenda of this study is to measure the determinants of child labor, child schooling and
household poverty in Multan district of Pakistan. The study is based on primary source of
data that was collected through a survey based on questionnaire. Survey was conducted in
two districts of Multan. Logistic model is used to measure the influential factors of child
labor, child schooling and household poverty in Multan districts.

It is found that head age has a significant positive effect on child labor while head age square
has negative effect on child labor decision. Age of economically active children highly
significant and has positive effect on labor decision. On the contrary education of working
children highly significant and has negative effect on child labor decision. Household poverty
status has significant positive effect on child labor decision while family size and children
interest in school education inversely related with child labor decision. It is suggested that to
reduce the issue of child labor income of household should be increased. Motivational
educational policies must be introduced which increased the interest of children in education.
Govt. should make those policies which do not allow children to participate in labor before
the completion of school education.

In child schooling model, it is found that female male ratio and dependency ratio inversely
related with child schooling decision. Household head education and children interest in
school education have significant positive effect on child schooling decision. While
household monthly income also positively influenced child schooling decision. The results of
this model suggested that to increase child schooling short term as well as long term benefits
of education must be introduced. To minimize gender differences Govt. should play its role
effectively. Technical and vocational training program should be enhanced particular for
those children who take less or no interest in education.

In household poverty model, it is found that per capita income and number of household
working person high significantly influenced household poverty. On the contrary household
received non-labor income and total personal expenses have significant effect on household
poverty. Outside home working hours has negative effect on household poverty. The results
of this model recommended that to decline household poverty it is necessary to provide
financial assistance to poor household. Similarly media also play its role to change the
attitude of poor household to control higher personal expenses.