Jejeebhoy, Shireen J., Raj, Tapasya and Sahoo, Harihar
Association of child and late adolescent marriage and married life among young women in India, 2019–21
- Economic & Political Weekly
- 59(36), 7 Sep, 2024: p.38-44
Despite policies aimed at reducing child marriage, the practice continues in India. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), this study examines the experiences of young women aged 15–29 who marry in childhood (before 18) or late adolescence (ages 18–20), compared to those marrying later. Findings reveal that even after adjusting for confounding factors, women marrying in childhood or late adolescence are more likely to hold traditional gender role attitudes, fear their husbands, and face controlling behaviour and violence within marriage. They are also less likely to control resources, make decisions, or enjoy freedom of movement. The study concludes that initiatives must focus on empowering women to exercise their rights and on reshaping notions of masculinity and femininity to foster more equitable marital relationships. Despite policies aimed at reducing child marriage, the practice persists. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), we explore whether young women aged 15–29 who marry in childhood (before 18) or late adolescence (ages 18–20) are disadvantaged compared to those marrying later. Findings show that even after adjusting for confounding factors, those marrying in childhood or late adolescence are more likely than others to hold traditional gender role attitudes, fear their husbands, and face controlling behaviour and violence within marriage; and less likely to control resources, make decisions and enjoy freedom of movement. Initiatives must empower women to exercise rights and build new notions of masculinity and femininity.- Reproduced
Women – India, Child Marriage, Late Adolescent Marriage, National Family Health Survey-5, Gender Role Attitudes, Domestic Violence, Controlling Behaviour, Resource Control, Decision-Making, Freedom of Movement, Empowerment, Masculinity, Femininity, Public Health, Human Rights, Sociology