Determinants of Child Labor in District Nowshera: Evidence from a Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the key factors contributing to child labor in District Nowshera, Pakistan using primary data collected from 99 respondents to child labor questionnaire. A purposive sampling techniques was employed to gather data from households engaged in child labor. Child labor is treated as the dependent variable, while poverty, inflation, school distance and orphan hood are considered independent variable. Normality and reliability test were conducted before using multiple linear regression analysis, the findings reveal that poverty significantly drives child labor. Particularly among low-income families with limited parental education. The prevalence of child labor is notably high in brick killin, where families’ debt to kiln owners compels children to work. Long school distances discourage attendance, while larger family sizes and rising inflation intensify economic pressure, further increasing reliance on child labor. The study recommends establishing accessible primary schools, enforcing child labor laws, promoting population control, and implementing macroeconomics reforms to improve living standards and reduce child labor in the region.