FSU Claude Pepper Center Postdoctoral Fellow Shekhar Chauhan coauthored a study on the sociocultural and economic factors contributing to male child marriages in rural India. Conducted in twelve villages in Uttar Pradesh, it surveyed young men married before 21 and their fathers. The study calls for programs to end child marriages in the region.
The study delves into the often-overlooked issue of early male marriages in rural India, exploring some sociocultural and economic factors that contribute to this practice. Conducted in twelve villages across two districts of Uttar Pradesh, the research surveyed 348 young men who married before the age of 21, along with their fathers who were personally interviewed. Also, case studies and key informant interviews were part of the data. Study findings reveal a significant prevalence of early marriages among males, with 27% of the sample marrying before 18 years of age. This phenomenon is often driven by the need to marry off younger siblings, as indicated by one-fifth of the cases where parents arranged early marriages for their sons to facilitate subsequent marriages within the family.
Key factors influencing early male marriages include caste, religion, household income, father’s education, and the age at which the father himself got married. These elements underscore the deep-rooted cultural and economic pressures that perpetuate the practice. Fathers play a pivotal role in determining the age at which their sons marry, making their involvement crucial in efforts to discourage early marriages.
The study emphasizes the need for targeted programmatic efforts and campaigns to address and eliminate the practice of child marriages in India’s backward regions. Engaging fathers in these initiatives is particularly important, as they hold significant influence over marriage decisions. The research calls for a comprehensive approach that includes raising awareness, providing education, and implementing policies that protect young boys from the adverse effects of early marriage.
Early marriage not only deprives boys of their childhood and education but also traps them in lifelong societal roles and norms, with potential intergenerational impacts. Despite India’s rapid economic growth, the country still has one of the highest prevalence rates of child marriage, particularly in rural areas. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to change cultural practices and provide better opportunities for young boys to thrive without the burden of premature marital responsibilities.
References
Chauhan, S., Sekher, T.V. Why do boys marry early? An enquiry into early marriages of young men in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. J. Soc. Econ. Dev. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40847-024-00386-w