Final answer:
The government, notably the Department of Labor, plays a crucial role as the social institution that protects minors by requiring a work permit. This is achieved through legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, which places restrictions on child labor and mandates compulsory education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social institution that protects minors by requiring a work permit is the government, particularly the Department of Labor in the United States. This became apparent in the early twentieth century when child labor laws were enacted declaring that childhood should be a time of learning, not labor. This was done by creating age-related transition points and mandating compulsory education. Internationally, various legislative attempts have been made to limit child labor and protect children, such as in Prussia in the 19th century. However, in some countries, child labor remains socially acceptable with little legislation to regulate such practices.
One of the crucial pieces of legislation in the U.S is the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established minimum wage, limits on child labor, and rules requiring overtime pay for jobs that exceed 40 hours per week. The laws require children and teenagers under a certain age to obtain a work permit before they can start working, limiting the number of hours they can work and the type of work they can do, to ensure their safety and well-being while prioritizing education.
Learn more about Child Labor Laws