Child Labour in Britain, 1750-1870. Social History in Perspective

This analytical survey of child labour during the industrial revolution asserts that the concentration by some historians and social commentators upon small numbers of industrially employed children has diverted attention from the important role of the working child within the context of the family, the labour market and the state. It argues that during the 18th and 19th centuries, child labour provided an invaluable contribution both to economic growth and to the incomes of working...
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This analytical survey of child labour during the industrial revolution asserts that the concentration by some historians and social commentators upon small numbers of industrially employed children has diverted attention from the important role of the working child within the context of the family, the labour market and the state. It argues that during the 18th and 19th centuries, child labour provided an invaluable contribution both to economic growth and to the incomes of working class households. The book also discusses the major issues involved in the study of children's employment.