ABSTRACT
The trend in child work has been characterized by a significant increase in the participation of rural girls and, to a lesser extent, that of urban boys. Traditionally, the state has viewed the problem of child work only in terms of the relationship between employers and workers. Trends in child work are analysed Ecuadorian using census data from 1974, 1982 and 1990 on activities carried out mainly by children over 12 years old. Low enrolment rates were found in urban areas in the case of children and adolescents who work in construction and domestic service. Most working children and adolescents study at regular public schools; the remaining attend government-subsidized schools of religious groups and private institutes. Households and domestic units in Ecuador are composed of families. Education should be the pivotal point for a long-term strategy for addressing this issue of child work.
