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Caught in the Nets of Exploitation - Understanding the Persistence of Child Slavery at Lake Volta

Schmiechen, Emilie LU (2024) SIMZ31 20241
Graduate School
Abstract
This thesis explores the causes contributing to the persistence of child slavery in
the fishing industry in Ghana, focusing on Lake Volta, the world’s largest
artificial reservoir. Although Ghana is often seen as a prime example of a stable
democracy with legal frameworks for the protection of children, exploitative child
labour practices remain widespread. The theoretical understanding of childhood as
a social construction has guided the research. Through a qualitative approach,
including literature research as well as original data conducted through fieldwork
in Ghana, this research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors
that contribute to the trafficking of children and their enslavement. The findings
... (More)
This thesis explores the causes contributing to the persistence of child slavery in
the fishing industry in Ghana, focusing on Lake Volta, the world’s largest
artificial reservoir. Although Ghana is often seen as a prime example of a stable
democracy with legal frameworks for the protection of children, exploitative child
labour practices remain widespread. The theoretical understanding of childhood as
a social construction has guided the research. Through a qualitative approach,
including literature research as well as original data conducted through fieldwork
in Ghana, this research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors
that contribute to the trafficking of children and their enslavement. The findings
of this study are painting a picture of a complex multifaceted problem which
persists due to a combination of economic hardships faced by many families,
deeply rooted social norms, education and awareness gaps and systemic
institutional failures, and causes many children to be forced into hazardous work
and stuck in a cycle of exploitation. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Schmiechen, Emilie LU
supervisor
organization
course
SIMZ31 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Ghana, childhood, child slavery, trafficking, fishing industry
language
English
id
9160077
date added to LUP
2024-06-26 12:32:31
date last changed
2024-06-26 12:32:31
@misc{9160077,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the causes contributing to the persistence of child slavery in 
the fishing industry in Ghana, focusing on Lake Volta, the world’s largest 
artificial reservoir. Although Ghana is often seen as a prime example of a stable 
democracy with legal frameworks for the protection of children, exploitative child 
labour practices remain widespread. The theoretical understanding of childhood as 
a social construction has guided the research. Through a qualitative approach, 
including literature research as well as original data conducted through fieldwork 
in Ghana, this research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors 
that contribute to the trafficking of children and their enslavement. The findings 
of this study are painting a picture of a complex multifaceted problem which 
persists due to a combination of economic hardships faced by many families, 
deeply rooted social norms, education and awareness gaps and systemic 
institutional failures, and causes many children to be forced into hazardous work 
and stuck in a cycle of exploitation.}},
  author       = {{Schmiechen, Emilie}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Caught in the Nets of Exploitation - Understanding the Persistence of Child Slavery at Lake Volta}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}