Child and Youth Employment in Denmark

Abstract

This study is based on an ongoing qualitative research project on child and youth employment in the retail sector in contemporary Denmark, focusing on young persons' own perspectives on their working lives. The children and youth interviewed explained the reasons why they work; the ways they move around in the labour market on their own or with friends' help, and the differences between good and bad jobs. They also discussed their difficulties in not being treated as experienced and capable workers, social relations in the workplace and the problems associated with their position at the bottom of the workplace hierarchy. These perspectives differ in various ways from available documentation on child and youth employment, and point to the importance of including the social relations of work if children and youth are to be protected in their working life.