Abstract:
This study undertook to investigate the socio-cultural correlates of child labour among public primary school pupils in Aba Metropolis, Nigeria. It followed a correlational survey design. The sample consisted of 885 participants drawn from 15 public primary schools in the study area. A Child Labour Identification Questionnaire (CLIQ) was designed by the researcher to identify participants engaged in child labour. A Child Labour Effect Questionnaire was used to collect data on the effects of sociocultural correlates on child labour. Achievement Test in English Language (ATEL) and in Mathematics (ATM) were used as indices of academic performance. Three research hypotheses guided the study and were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation, t-test, Analysis of Variance and Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings were that both parental and child characteristics were strong determinants of child labour and schooling. Poverty was also found to be a major cause of child labour. Therefore, it is recommended that laws prohibiting child labour be strictly enforced and that government provides social welfare facilities to improve the circumstances of the parents of the children involved in child labour
