Exploring Complex Dynamics of Early Marriage in Rural  Bangladesh: Reasons, Psycho-Social, Health and Economic  Implications

Naima  Ahasan; Monia Manjur; Rupinder Sahota; Chayon  Sikder; Md Tuhin  Mia

doi:10.48165/sajssh.2024.6105

Authors

Naima Ahasan BSS & MSS, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
Monia Manjur Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Noakhali Science and Technology University
Rupinder Sahota Postdoctoral researcher, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
Chayon Sikder Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali- 3814, Bangladesh.
Md Tuhin Mia BSS & MSS, Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2024.6105

Keywords:

Complex Dynamics, Early Marriage, Reasons, Psycho-social Consequences, Health Implications, Economic Impacts, Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

Early marriage remains a significant concern in rural regions of Bangladesh, making it imperative to examine the causes, psycho-social consequences, and economic impacts of early marriage. The cross-sectional study explored these complex dynamics and interviewed 400 girls/women who married before 18 in four selected districts. Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed early marriage being greatly influenced by family attitudes (62.85%) & economic pressures (42.2%). Furthermore, forcible family opinions (75.71%) with the groom’s pressure (12.85%) and love relationships (14.28%) played a major role in early marriage. Early married girls experienced depression & sadness (44%), malnutrition (42%), disrupted education (60%) and other economic challenges. Dowries impacted families massively, where 60% provided dowry by taking loans (60.37%) due to having no other option. Early-married girls faced significant hardships, enduring psycho-social and economic oppression that severely impacted their quality of life. There is a need to integrate education, awareness, and policy reforms to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of early marriage.

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