Targets

"How are the targets of your policy study constructed? How does this affect policy? What if the targets got to use their "local knolwedge" to make policy on their own?"



The targets of my policy issue consist of child laborers, their "employers", activists, and governments. Child laborers and activists aim to eliminate the use of child labor practices and reintegrate the children into a healthier lifestyle in which they receive an education, a home, food, and the opportunity to be independent as adults. The "employers" aim to keep their cheap labor through threats and false claims (i.e. "If you leave, you will be arrested and beaten by police"). While each government differs, most governments have laws against the use of child labor, but typically do not enforce the laws fully. Each target, works to change the actions of the other targets.
The activists work on behalf of the child laborers to educate the general public, with intent to gain more supporters, and to influence the government. Meanwhile, the "employeers" hide the children as well as frighten them into not escaping. When the governments become involved, they (typically) seek out unfair labor practices and prosecute the "employers". The actions of the activists along with those of the governments could diminish the use of child labor, but the "employers" make the task difficult. The policy issue can only be solved if the activists pursue government intervention.
As for the targets using "local knowledge", it could be beneficial, but it is necessary that all targets, except the "employers", use their "local knowledge". If only activists used it, permanent policy changes would be impossible. If only the government used it, there is not a guarantee that the necessary changes would be made. It is necessary that these two targets come together to work against "employers".