Kids at Work - (Latina/O Sociology) by Emir Estrada (Paperback)

Kids at Work is a groundbreaking ethnography that sheds light on the little-known world of Latinx children working in street food markets in Los Angeles.

Through in-depth interviews with children and their undocumented parents, as well as three years of observation on the streets, Emir Estrada provides a compassionate and nuanced portrait of these young workers, highlighting the unique challenges they face and the ways in which they contribute to their families' economic survival. The book reveals how Latinx children have been instrumental in making street food markets wildly popular in Los Angeles, but also exposes the hardships they endure, including long hours, low pay, and exposure to harsh working conditions.

Despite these challenges, Kids at Work shows how these young workers develop empathy towards their parents, encourage hard work, and support each other in their efforts to make a living together in the United States. With its focus on the complex dynamics of immigrant families and the ways in which children contribute to their households' economic well-being, Kids at Work is an essential read for anyone interested in immigration, childhood, and work.

The book provides a powerful challenge to traditional notions of childhood and family relations, revealing the central role that children play in the household economies of vulnerable families. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking exploration of Latinx childhood and the informal street food economy in Los Angeles.

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