This episode of A Work(place) in Progress shows us the struggles and ongoing reality of child labor. We were able to explain and utilize archival photographs and historical records that demonstrate how children worked long and tiring hours throughout dangerous industries, such as mills, factories, and farms. They often are exposed to toxins, deteriorating their health and education to support their families financially. We highlight how it was socially acceptable for children to take on adult responsibilities and was later regulated through laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

Cover Photo: "Child Mill Workers." Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill Strike Photographs, Southern Labor Archives, Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University, Atlanta. Accessed 6 January 2026.