Samaa Karim ID:22-48519-3

Title: The Causes and Effects of Child Marriage

This study examines the trends and determinants of child marriage among women aged 20–49 in
Bangladesh. Data were extracted from the last six nationally representative Demographic and
Health Surveys conducted during 1993–2011. Simple cross-tabulation and multivariate binary
logistic regression analyses were adopted. According to the survey conducted in 2011, more than
75% of marriages can be categorized as child marriages.This is a decline of 10 percentage points
in the prevalence of child marriage compared with the survey conducted in 1993–1994.(Journal of
Biosocial Science ,January 2015 , pp. 120 - 139)

Despite some improvements in education and other socioeconomic indicators, Bangladeshi society
still faces the relentless practice of early marriage. The mean age at first marriage has increased
by only 1.4 years over the last one and half decades, from 14.3 years in 1993–1994 to 15.7 years
in 2011.One of the primary causes of child marriage in Bangladesh is deeply ingrained societal
norms and expectations. Families often feel compelled to marry off their daughters early due to
traditional beliefs and cultural practices. This pressure to conform to established norms can
override the well-being and desires of the child, leading to premature marriages. (NIPORT et ,
2013, p. [13]).Economic considerations, such as poverty and financial instability, play a significant
role in driving child marriage. Families facing economic hardships may view marriage as a way
to alleviate their financial burdens. The prevailing dowry system in many parts of Bangladesh can
further incentivize early marriages, as families may seek to marry their daughters off before dowry
costs rise. (ICF International). The data from the survey highlight a strong positive association
between women's education and the age at marriage. Those who have completed secondary or
higher education tend to marry five years later than those with no education. Limited access to
educational opportunities, particularly for girls, perpetuates a cycle of early marriages, as
education is often undervalued in comparison to traditional gender roles. (NIPORT et ., 2013, p.
[52])

Although the situation on risk of child marriage has improved over time, the pace is sluggish. Both
the year-of-birth and year-of-marriage cohorts of women suggest that the likelihood of marrying
as a child has decreased significantly in recent years. The risk of child marriage was significantly
higher when husbands had no formal education or little education, and when the wives were
unemployed or unskilled workers. Muslim women living in rural areas have a greater risk of child
marriage.(Journal of Biosocial Science ,January 2015 , pp. 129)Child marriage has severe health
consequences, particularly for young girls. Early pregnancies and childbirth increase the risk of
maternal mortality and morbidity. Additionally, young brides may face complications during
childbirth, and their children may experience higher rates of malnutrition and infant mortality.
(Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 p. [19]). Child marriage often results in limited
educational opportunities for young brides, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and gender inequality.
Girls who marry early are more likely to drop out of school, restricting their access to knowledge
Samaa Karim ID:22-48519-3

and skills that can empower them and contribute to the development of their communities. (Mitra
and Associates, and ICF International. (2013)p. [32]). Beyond the physical repercussions, child
marriage inflicts significant social and psychological impacts. Young brides may experience social
isolation, as they are often removed from their peer groups and communities. The lack of emotional
maturity and life skills can lead to strained relationships within the marital union, affecting the
overall well-being of both partners. (ICF et al., 2013, p. [47])

Child marriage in Bangladesh is a complex issue driven by a combination of societal, economic,

and educational factors. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that involves
changing cultural perceptions, improving economic conditions, and promoting education,
especially for girls. By understanding the causes and effects of child marriage, society can work
towards implementing effective interventions to protect the rights and well-being of its youth.

References:
National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Mitra and Associates, and ICF
International. (2013). Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011. Dhaka, Bangladesh and
Calverton, Maryland, USA: NIPORT, Mitra and Associates, and ICF International,
https://www.aidsdatahub.org,ICRW (International Center for Research on Women) (2006) Child
marriage and poverty, Journal of Biosocial Science ,January 2015 , pp. 120 - 139