Factors Of Children Working In Sitirejo II Village, Medan Amplas District, Medan City
Factors of Children Working in Sitirejo II Village, Medan Amplas District, Medan City
Introduction
Work is an essential part of human life, and it plays a vital role in meeting the needs of individuals and families. However, in the context of children, many of them are forced to enter the world of work, sacrificing their time for play, study, and rest. This phenomenon is often referred to as "working children," referring to those who are still underage but have taken on the responsibilities of adults. In this study, we aim to identify the factors that cause children in Sitirejo II Village, Medan Amplas District, Medan City, to work.
Background
Sitirejo II Village is a rural area in Medan City, Indonesia, where many families face severe economic challenges. Inadequate income to meet daily needs forces children to contribute to the family economy. This often happens in families who have a lot of dependents and limited income. The surrounding environment also plays an important role, as children tend to follow in the footsteps of their peers who are also working. Social normativity that considers working as a common thing among children can strengthen this behavior.
Methodology
This study uses a qualitative approach and explorative methods to identify the factors that cause children in Sitirejo II Village to work. The main informants in this study consisted of four children who worked, as well as four parents of these children. In addition, the Secretary of the Village Head of Sitirejo II Village was also involved as an additional informant to provide a broader perspective. Researchers used various methods, including observation, interviews, documentation, and literature studies, to collect data. After the data was collected, researchers conducted qualitative analysis to draw conclusions related to the phenomenon of children working in the area.
Results
The results of this study showed that there are several main factors that cause children in Sitirejo II to work. These factors include:
1. Family Socioeconomic Conditions
Many families in Sitirejo II Village face severe economic challenges. Inadequate income to meet daily needs forces children to contribute to the family economy. This often happens in families who have a lot of dependents and limited income. Children are often expected to work to help their families, which can lead to a lack of time for education and play.
Example: "My parents are always busy working, and I have to help them with the household chores and take care of my younger siblings. I don't have time to go to school, and I'm worried that I'll fall behind my peers." (Child informant)
2. Environment
The surrounding environment also plays an important role in children's decision to work. If the environment of children's residence does not support formal education, or if many peers are also working, children tend to follow in the footsteps. Social normativity that considers working as a common thing among children can strengthen this behavior.
Example: "All my friends are working, and it's like everyone is doing it. I feel like I'm missing out if I don't work too." (Child informant)
3. Child Motivation
In some cases, children may have their own motivation to work, such as wanting to help families or want to have allowance. This motivation often arises from the sense of responsibility they have, although at their age they should focus more on education and play.
Example: "I want to help my parents with the household expenses, and I feel responsible for taking care of my family." (Child informant)
4. Parents' Motivation
Apparently, not infrequently parents also encourage their children to work. This can be caused by the belief that work experience can provide valuable lessons or because of urgent economic pressure. In some cases, parents feel helped if their children also work, although the negative consequences for children's education and development can be significant enough.
Example: "I want my child to learn the value of hard work and responsibility. I think it's essential for their development." (Parent informant)
Conclusion
The phenomenon of children working in Sitirejo II Village is a complex problem that involves various factors. To deal with this issue, it takes a comprehensive approach that includes improving the socio-economic conditions of the family, strengthening education and environmental awareness, as well as the active role of parents in supporting children's education. Understanding these factors is the first step to create a better environment for children, so they can spend their time to study and play, not work.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Improve the socio-economic conditions of families in Sitirejo II Village through economic empowerment programs and social welfare services.
- Strengthen education and environmental awareness by providing access to quality education and promoting a culture of learning.
- Encourage parents to prioritize their children's education and well-being over economic needs.
- Develop policies and programs that support working children and provide them with access to education, healthcare, and social services.
By addressing these factors and implementing these recommendations, we can create a better environment for children in Sitirejo II Village and ensure that they have the opportunity to grow and develop in a healthy and supportive way.
Q&A: Factors of Children Working in Sitirejo II Village, Medan Amplas District, Medan City
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the factors that cause children in Sitirejo II Village, Medan Amplas District, Medan City, to work. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic.
Q: What are the main factors that cause children to work in Sitirejo II Village?
A: The main factors that cause children to work in Sitirejo II Village include family socioeconomic conditions, environment, child motivation, and parents' motivation.
Q: How do family socioeconomic conditions contribute to children working?
A: Family socioeconomic conditions play a significant role in children working. Many families in Sitirejo II Village face severe economic challenges, which forces children to contribute to the family economy. This often happens in families who have a lot of dependents and limited income.
Q: What is the role of environment in children working?
A: The surrounding environment also plays an important role in children's decision to work. If the environment of children's residence does not support formal education, or if many peers are also working, children tend to follow in the footsteps. Social normativity that considers working as a common thing among children can strengthen this behavior.
Q: Can child motivation be a reason for children working?
A: Yes, child motivation can be a reason for children working. In some cases, children may have their own motivation to work, such as wanting to help families or want to have allowance. This motivation often arises from the sense of responsibility they have, although at their age they should focus more on education and play.
Q: What is the role of parents in children working?
A: Parents also play a significant role in children working. Apparently, not infrequently parents encourage their children to work. This can be caused by the belief that work experience can provide valuable lessons or because of urgent economic pressure. In some cases, parents feel helped if their children also work, although the negative consequences for children's education and development can be significant enough.
Q: What are the consequences of children working?
A: The consequences of children working can be significant. Children who work may miss out on education and play, which can affect their physical and mental health. They may also experience social isolation and decreased opportunities for socialization.
Q: How can we address the issue of children working in Sitirejo II Village?
A: To address the issue of children working in Sitirejo II Village, we need to take a comprehensive approach that includes improving the socio-economic conditions of families, strengthening education and environmental awareness, and encouraging parents to prioritize their children's education and well-being over economic needs.
Q: What are some recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders?
A: Some recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders include:
- Improving the socio-economic conditions of families in Sitirejo II Village through economic empowerment programs and social welfare services.
- Strengthening education and environmental awareness by providing access to quality education and promoting a culture of learning.
- Encouraging parents to prioritize their children's education and well-being over economic needs.
- Developing policies and programs that support working children and provide them with access to education, healthcare, and social services.
Conclusion
The issue of children working in Sitirejo II Village is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach. By understanding the factors that contribute to this phenomenon and addressing them through policy and program interventions, we can create a better environment for children and ensure that they have the opportunity to grow and develop in a healthy and supportive way.