List Marxists ( Hi James, John ) will have anticipated such developments thanks to Marx and Engels vast scientific knowledge of the laws-of-motion of society. https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1875/gotha/append.htm A general prohibition of child labor is incompatible with the existence of large-scale industry and hence an empty, pious wish. Its realization -- if it were possible -- would be reactionary . .  ."