Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study

The specific objectives of the study were to identify the reasons (push and pull factors) behind child migration, to investigate the sectors where children are likely to work and to evaluate the effects of engaging in abusive labor on their overall well-being, including education, health, and social interaction with their peers. The study was conducted using qualitative research methodology and a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the informants. For data collection, the researchers employed vital informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions as data collection tools to gather information to attain research objectives. Data from the informant was analyzed using thematic qualitative analytical research methods. The result shows that there are many factors influencing rural-to-urban child migration. One of the reasons for the finding was poverty; the others were the disintegration of families or loss of parents, poor social service, poor childcare culture, family's low value for education, domestic violence, seasonal factors, and displacement due to war. Furthermore, children are engaged in trim work, such as domestic servants in the private sector and selling items on the streets. Finally, for children who engage in labor, their social well-being (education, health, and social interaction with their peer group) is affected, and their labor has negative consequences for their social well-being. The Research recommends government and N.G.O. intervention, family planning for large families, poverty alleviation, and economic support for poor households and children. Finally, children should be engaged in school at an early age.