21st Century Relevance of Charles Dickens

In his last completed, under-appreciated novel, "Our Mutual Friend", (1864) Dickens has created a minor character, Jenny Wren. She is introduced thus;

Charley knocked at the door & heard a child's voice say 'Come in, I can't get up. My back is bad and my legs don't work." On entering, he found a girl with an elfin face and golden hair, who was sitting hunched & twisted in an armchair. There was a little worktable before her covered in cloth, wool & thread. She was no more than 13 years old but had sharp eyes. She said "I am Jenny Wren, dress maker for dolls. I must get on with my work." On an enquiry as to whether it is a good business, she replies "No, I work too long for my sore back & bent legs." Later, it is found that she has to work to support not only herself but her father & grandfather, both addicted to drink.

Though by mass producing Barbie dolls, the profession of "Doll's Dressmaker" has become redundant, concern for handicapped people, which is in the forefront now, was highlighted by Dickens 160 years ago. So is his anguish at child labour, necessitated by adult alcoholic addiction. Long working hours with poor remuneration is again rearing it's ugly head. Many of the questions raised by Dickens, are  still not satisfactorily answered.