Rasionalitas Orang Tua Membiarkan Anak Bekerja sebagai Pengamen Badut di Kota Binjai

Abstract

Economic conditions within families often lead to the emergence of street children engaging in work that they should not be doing. By working, these children help alleviate their parent’s financial burdens. This situation aries from difficult economic conditions, low educational attainment, and limited capacity to meet the needs of their children. As a result, parental responsibilities are sometimes shifted to the children, requiring them to contribute financially to the family. This research employs a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that the parents minimal income is insufficient to meet daily needs and school related expenses. Parents permit their children to work as street performer clowns due to economic hardship. The income generated is inadequate for allowing their children to work as street performer clowns involve rational thinking. These reasons vary among informants. Some parents allow their children to work to earn money for buying student workbooks (LKS), school supplies, pocket money and to pay for clown costume rentals. Additionally, some children take the initative to work to reduce their parents burden. Parental attitudes toward their working children include supporting them to meet school needs, support the family’s economy, and to foster independence in their children. Culture and the struggle for survival play significant roles in influencing families decisions to involve their children in work. Cultural values often provide justification for child labor, while economic difficulties compel families to use child labor as a survival strategy