Teenage Marriage
Teen Marriage Teen marriage has been a growing phenomenon over recent decades, with marriage rates among teens soaring: in the 1990’s the teen marriage rate swelled 50%, reversing an adolescent marriage decline that had been on the fall for nearly 30 years (Chan). Marriage is still somewhat uncommon among teenagers, however nearly 4.5 out of every 100 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 19 are married (Chan). Teenage marriage is a large issue because of the intellectual, economic and mental toll it takes on its advocates. Married teens are more likely to drop out of high school and have lower incomes than those who get married at a mature age. Also, teens are more likely to be divorced from their wedlock partners within 15 years of being married at an adolescent age than those who get married older (Stritof). Teenage marriage is an unhealthy decision and should not be allowed for the safety of the juveniles’ future.
Teenagers who get married typically drop out of high school within a year of getting hitched. This is mostly due to the stress that marriage causes a relationship when getting wedded as an adolescent, also because most teenage marriages are often forced due to the ever-growing problem of teen pregnancy. 31% of women who get married in their teens end up living at poverty level later in their life because of their decisions to get married and drop out of high school, thus not earning enough of an education to keep a decent, well-paying job (Dahl). Similarly, a woman who drops out of high school in general is 11% more likely to be considered “poor” than a woman who receives at least her high school diploma (Dahl). Education takes a major toll when an adolescent couple gets married, because of fiscal reasons. Typically, the married teens are fiscally independent from their parents if they are living on their own. Without a formal degree, their income does not leave money for a high school and especially a college education, particularly if
Teenagers who get married typically drop out of high school within a year of getting hitched. This is mostly due to the stress that marriage causes a relationship when getting wedded as an adolescent, also because most teenage marriages are often forced due to the ever-growing problem of teen pregnancy. 31% of women who get married in their teens end up living at poverty level later in their life because of their decisions to get married and drop out of high school, thus not earning enough of an education to keep a decent, well-paying job (Dahl). Similarly, a woman who drops out of high school in general is 11% more likely to be considered “poor” than a woman who receives at least her high school diploma (Dahl). Education takes a major toll when an adolescent couple gets married, because of fiscal reasons. Typically, the married teens are fiscally independent from their parents if they are living on their own. Without a formal degree, their income does not leave money for a high school and especially a college education, particularly if
Cited: Butcher, Ruth L., and Jules Saltman. Teen Love, Teen Marriage,. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1966. Print. Chan, Sue. “Teenage Marriage On The Rise.” CBS News, US. 2 Nov. 2002. Web. 19 Mar. 2011. . Dahlp, GB. “Early Teen Marriage and Future Poverty.” PubMed.gov. Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. . Lindsay, Jeanne Warren. Teenage Marriage: Coping with Reality. Buena Park, CA: Morning Glory, 1988. Print. Seiler, Naomi. “Is Teen Marriage a Solution?” CLASP. Apr. 2002. Web. 19 Mar. 2011. . Silvers, Christie. “Can a Teen Marriage Last?” Associated Content from Yahoo! 26 Sept. 2006. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. . Stritof, Sheri and Bob. “Teen Marriage -- History, Statistics, Things For Teens to Consider Before Getting Married.” Teen Marriage--History, Statistics. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. . “What Are Poverty Thresholds and Poverty Guidelines?” Institute for Research on Poverty. Web. 12 Apr. 2011.