Marriage at an Early Age
Marriage at an Early Age
1.0 Introduction
Marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a milestone in adult life. The age at first marriage varies across the globe. Being married before the age of 18 has been a social norm in third world countries [refer to Appendix A]. The percentage of women being married before age 18 is estimated to be 20 to 50 percent in average in developing countries (Joyce, et al., 2001).
On the other hand, western countries are unlikely to experience the similar pattern of marriage. The marital union is normally delayed too long although this is the most apparent reason for the breakdown in sexual ethics (Orsi, 2001). Because of its wealth, western society chooses to marry later in life until they have built an adequate maturity in age, education and financial state.
Nowadays, many international organizations have made an effort to reduce the number of early marriage worldwide (Yudkin and Robert, 1996). Many believe that the practice of early marriage can hinder self-development of young girls. However, in western countries, there are several efforts to promote young marriages (Orsi, 2001). They believe that early marriage should be looked as a platform to cultivate maturity together but not as an institution just for the grown-up individuals.
As we are concern, early marriage is widely practice in developing countries hence a global issue has arisen as to whether early marriage does really hinder self development due to the consequences it brings to young girls. The practice is believed to bring several benefits to some extent. However, the adverse effects it brings can impede the self-development of young adolescences in many aspects including health consequences, character building and education as well as career opportunities.
2.0 Statistical Studies of Early Marriage
This aspect highlights the prevalence of early marriage across the globe and the very reasons of early marriage especially in developing countries. This
1.0 Introduction
Marriage is regarded as a moment of celebration and a milestone in adult life. The age at first marriage varies across the globe. Being married before the age of 18 has been a social norm in third world countries [refer to Appendix A]. The percentage of women being married before age 18 is estimated to be 20 to 50 percent in average in developing countries (Joyce, et al., 2001).
On the other hand, western countries are unlikely to experience the similar pattern of marriage. The marital union is normally delayed too long although this is the most apparent reason for the breakdown in sexual ethics (Orsi, 2001). Because of its wealth, western society chooses to marry later in life until they have built an adequate maturity in age, education and financial state.
Nowadays, many international organizations have made an effort to reduce the number of early marriage worldwide (Yudkin and Robert, 1996). Many believe that the practice of early marriage can hinder self-development of young girls. However, in western countries, there are several efforts to promote young marriages (Orsi, 2001). They believe that early marriage should be looked as a platform to cultivate maturity together but not as an institution just for the grown-up individuals.
As we are concern, early marriage is widely practice in developing countries hence a global issue has arisen as to whether early marriage does really hinder self development due to the consequences it brings to young girls. The practice is believed to bring several benefits to some extent. However, the adverse effects it brings can impede the self-development of young adolescences in many aspects including health consequences, character building and education as well as career opportunities.
2.0 Statistical Studies of Early Marriage
This aspect highlights the prevalence of early marriage across the globe and the very reasons of early marriage especially in developing countries. This
References: Adhikari, R.K. (2006). Early Marriage and Childbearing: Risks and Consequences. 62-64 Baker, M. and Dryde, J. (1993). Patterns In Employment and Unemployment for Young People Henslin, J.M. (2005). Cohabitation. Sociology- A Down to Earth Approach (2nd Ed.). 468 Joyce, L.F., et al. (2001). Future Options Foreclosed: Girls Who Marry Early. Reproductive Health and Rights.139-143 Orsi, M.P. (October, 2001). A Case for Earlier Marriage. Retrieved January 29, 2006, from Ignatius Press: http://www United Nation Children’s Fund. (March, 2001). The Impact of Early Marriage On Children and On Society 9-12. Retrieved January 27, 2006, from United Nation Children’s Fund Publication: http://www.unicef-icdc.org/publications/pdf/digest7e.pdf. Yudkin, R. and Roberts, L. (1996). Adverse Effects of Early Marriage on the Health of Young Girls