International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
Causes and Consequences of Child Marriage – A Study of Milannagar Shantipur Village in Goalpara District
2 Kashmira Khanam1, Baharul Islam Laskar 1Assistant Professor, Dhubri Law College, Assam, India 2Associate Professor, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya, India ______
ABSTRACT : Through the world marriage is one of the universal social Institutions. It is established by the human society to control and regulate the sex life of human. It is a corner stone of a society and very necessary part of Indian system. But it’s a social problem if it taken place before the person reaches an appropriate age. The problem of child marriage is very complex in nature. Its complexity lies in the historical moorings, traditional religious practices and some other social problems like dowry and child widowhood. . It not only affects the persons involved in it, but also affects the society and nation as a whole. Goalpara District is one of the highest child marriage prevalence districts of Assam. Child marriage affects both girls and boys and deprives children of their childhood. It also violates many of the basic rights of children. The present study also explain the distribution of child marriage in Assam. The study has been carried out through the field work and collection of secondary data. This study of child marriage try to explore that – Poor economic condition of the family leads to higher incidence of child marriage, Lower the educational level of parents, higher is the incidence of child marriage, Social norms and customs are related to incidence of child marriage, Big family size leads to the incidence of child marriage; and Because of increasing misuse of modern gadgets like mobile phone, TV, etc. leading to love and elopement type of child marriages in the area.
Keywords: Child marriage, Illeteracy, Female ,Goalpara District ,widowhood ______
I. Introduction: Children and childhood are often emotive and raise difficult questions and challenges. We have our own theories and constructions of children and childhood. The terms used by the international community for child marriage are ‘early marriage’ or ‘forced marriage’. However, in developing countries like India, rarely is there a stage of carefree adolescence in the life of girls. They are forced to step from childhood into womanhood directly [1]. According to Juvenile Justice Act, 2006 a child means a person who has not completed eighteen years of age[2] and as per The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 - a child is a person who has not completed 21 years in case of male and 18 years in case of females[3]. However the UNICEF defines child marriage as marriage before 18 years of age and considers this practice as a violation of human rights [4], and the operational definition used in this study is - child marriage is any marriage, which is below the age of 18 years.
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
Child marriage is a social problem, which has socio-economic, cultural and regional factors responsible for its existence and continuity. It not only affects the persons involved in it, but also affects the society and nation as a whole. Goalpara District is one of the highest child marriage prevalence districts of Assam. This study of child marriage try to explore that – i) Poor economic condition of the family leads to higher incidence of child marriage; ii) Lower the educational level of parents, higher is the incidence of child marriage; iii) Social norms and customs are related to incidence of child marriage; iv) Big family size leads to the incidence of child marriage; and v) Because of increasing misuse of modern gadgets like mobile phone, TV, etc., leading to love and elopement type of child marriages in the area.
II. Objectives of the Study: The present study focus on child marriage in Milannagar Shantipur Village of Goalpara District in Assam. Following are the main objectives of this study- 1. To understand prevalence of the of child marriage in Goalpara District of Assam. 2. To find out the causes of child marriages in Milannagar Shantipur village and to identify differential patterns of child marriage. 3. To find out the consequences of child marriage in Milonnagar Shantipur village.
III. Area of Study: The present study focuses on the people who live in the village of Milonnagar Shantipur of Goalpara district in Assam. Milonnagar Shantipur has been selected for the study keeping in view the fact that it is one of the villages where child marriages are more prevalent. Further, it is my native village, so data collection and network were comfortable for me in this village for the present study. On the other hand, Goalpara District is one of the districts of Assam where 2nd highest rate of child marriage was found in 2001 census. Geographically within the district the child marriages are more prevalent in Char (riverine) areas among the Muslim community.
IV. Methodology: With a view to pursuing the above objectives, both primary and secondary data were collected. The data relevant for the present study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary was collected from multiple stakeholders such as the children married early, their family members, school teachers, village head man, political leader, local police station, etc. Secondary sources are such as census reports and other documents. Other secondary sources such as relevant book, journals and other reports, have also been referred to and used appropriately. Relevant internet materials were also widely used. Data were collected during February - April, 2015. The tools used for collecting necessary data were in depth interview, case history method, observation, non-participant observation and questionnaire. While in depth interviews www.ijirssc.in Page 101
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC were held with most of the stakeholders to understand the process of child marriage, its causes and consequences in the study area. While the non-participant observation method was used to record the socio-cultural norms of the society relating to child marriages and the social relationship between the children married early and the members of the society. A questionnaire consisting of 13 questions focusing mostly on the objectives of the study was prepared to collect authentic information/ views of the children, their family members, school teachers, village head man, policeman, and political leader.
V. Result and Discussion: A) Child Marriage in Assam: Child marriage is clearly complex, but it can understand the two main causes in terms of economics and culture. In low-income families, the lack of economic alternatives contributes to the practice , as marriage to another man may be seen as bringing economic security for the girl and sometimes for her entire family[5]. Census 2001 data shows that among all the districts of Assam the percentage of married person in the age group of 15-19 is more than the age group of 0-19 years. It may be due to the fact that in 15-19 age group most of the children and especially girl child leave the school because of attaining puberty and or getting married. The data also shows that Dhubri District has the highest percentage of child marriage followed by Goalpara, Bongaigon and Barpeta districts in lower Assam, Tinsukia in upper Assam, and Marigaon and Kamrup districts in central Assam. The Percentage of child marriage is lowest in NC Hills district, followed by Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts in southern Assam. The data also shows that the Bongaigaon district has the second largest married person at the age group of 0-19, next only to Dhubri. It also revealed that Nogaon district has the highest number of married persons in the age groups 10-19 years and 0-19 years; while in the age group below 10 years highest number of marriages was in Dhubri District.
B) A Study of Milonnagar Shantipur Village in Goalpara District Milonnagar shantipur is one of the villages of Goalpara district which is under the Balijana Block and Kalyanpur GP. According to the 2011 census Balijana block has a population of 112427 (male-57128, female-55299). Kalyanpur GP has a population of 9845 (male-5122, female-4723). The main communities inhabiting in this block include Bengali Muslims, Bengali Hindus, Rabhas, Garos, Hajongs, Kalitas, Koch Dimasas and Bodos. Population of Scheduled Tribe (ST) in this block is 5907, Scheduled Castes (SC) population is 813 and others is 1393. To analyze and interpret collection data a SPSS method is used. After selecting the village, 47 households were randomly selected out of 550 total households. In these 47 households the total population was 258. Most of the respondents belong to Bengali Muslim www.ijirssc.in Page 102
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC family. The criterion of selection of the household was the availability of the head of households and the number of the child married in the respective households. The average family size of this village is 5. Analysis: The detail analysis of the collected data and information about the villagers are shown below-
Table no-1: Respondents in Milonnagar Shantipur Village Categories Total Male Female No. of households 47 11 36 No. of case studies 5 0 5 No. of teachers 1 1 0 No. of community leaders 3 3 0 No. of Police 1 1 0 Total respondents 57 16 41 Source : Field Survey. In case of total respondents the number of female respondents (71%) is more than the male, as child marriage is more among females. A police officer in Goalpara Sadar Thana revealed that in Goalpara town there are 600-700 child marriage related cases reported yearly.
Table no-2: Distribution of married population by sex and age in 47 Households Distribution Male Female Total Percent
Age group 10-14 6 40 46 28.9 15-18 24 51 75 47.2 19-24 23 3 26 16.4 25+ 10 2 12 7.5 Total 63 96 159 100 Source : Field Survey. The table 2 makes it clear that the married female population as compared to married male population is more in 10-14 age groups and 15-18 age group. On the other hand the married male population as compared to female population is more in age group 19-24 and 25+. This simply shows that the largest percentage of female get married at an early age as compared to males. Almost half of the population is getting married in 15-18 age group. Apart from the secondary data primary data also shows those 76.1 percent marriages are child marriage in the Milonnagar Shantipur village.
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
Table no-3: Distribution of pattern of marriage Age group Love Arrange Love cum arrange 10-14 4 40 2 15-18 13 57 5 19-24 4 21 1 25+ 2 8 2 Total 23 126 10 Percent 14.5 79.2 6.3 Source : Field Survey. Table 3 shows that among the 159 married population the frequency of arrange marriage is more than the other pattern of marriages such as love and love cum arrange. Within the 15-18 age group maximum number of marriage is happening. In all the age group the percentage of arrange marriage is more. 97 people are got married by the choice of their parents before the age of 18. It indicates that child marriage is socially acceptable norms in the Milonnagar Shantipur village.
Table no-4: Educational status of married person
Educational Male Female Total Percent level0 19 37 56 35.2 1-4 13 17 30 18.9 5-7 15 15 30 18.9 8-10 10 21 31 19.5 11-12 5 4 9 5.7 12+ 1 2 3 1.9 Total 63 96 159 100 Source : Field Survey. The literature indicates the relationship between occupation and income. The above mentioned table shows that more than 35 percent married persons are illiterate and also the female illiteracy rate is higher than the male. Apart from this, the maximum number of married persons has studied below tenth standards with a percentage of 57.3%. 5.7% married persons studied up to twelfth standards and 1.9% read up to graduation level. It depicts that most of the married person in Milonnagar Shantipur village are either illiterate or lower educated. This may be due to poor economic condition of the family or lacking of educational awareness among them. www.ijirssc.in Page 104
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
Table no-5: Educational status and age of married person Educational level Age of marriage 10-14 15-18 19-24 25+ total 0 23 24 5 4 56 1-4 6 13 8 3 30 5-7 12 10 6 2 30 8-10 5 22 2 2 31 11-12 0 5 4 0 9 12+ 0 1 1 1 3 Total 46 75 26 12 159 Source : Field Survey.
The above mentioned table depicts that the age at marriage and the education is co- related. It shows that majority of the people are got married in early age where the people are illiterate than the literate people. Though some illiterate people are married after 18 years but the rate of such marriages is really low. Those people have studied above the class tenth standard they hardly support or practiced early marriage. Though some literate people are practicing it, may be due to the love-elopement or poor socio economic condition.
Table no-6: Family monthly income Income Frequency Percent < 5000 15 31.9 5000 - 10,000 24 51.1 10,000 - 15,000 5 10.6 15,000 < 3 6.4 Total 47 100.0 Source : Field Survey. Table 6 shows that 32 per cent’s monthly family income is less than Rs 5,000/ and 51 percent people’s family monthly income within Rs 5000-10,000/-, while only 6.4 percent people monthly family income above Rs 15000/-. More than 30 percent people earning below 5000. It reveals that most of the family condition is poor.
Case Studies: Some of the case studies conducted in the field and the real stories of child marriages in the area are depicted as follows:
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
Case no 1:- Mr Samad Ali narrated about his daughter, Miss Rashida Tabassum, aged 16 years, how his daughter got married with, Gulab Rahman aged 18 years. He told that his daughter eloped with her boy friend (Gulab Rahman) , son of Abdur Rahman and Gulabjan in 2013. Gulab Rahman belongs from Nidanchar a small village of Barpeta district. Mobile phone has channelled easy communication among them and to develop love elope. After getting married she was tortured by her in-laws and also demand for money and other equipments. Her parents tried hard to fulfil their demands by selling land. Finally Rashida was killed on 1st January 2014 by her in-laws’ family members. Yet it is not clear about who are involved in Rohiton’s murder and also the hidden cause behind this. On this issue a case is pending in the district court of Goalpara District.
Case no 2:- Ms Roushonara begum, aged 15 years, daughter of Abdur Rahman and Hunufa Khatun, eloped with one Tajnur Islam, 18 years of age, son of Abul Ali and Tara Khatun in 2005. Both of them belong from the same village. After getting married boy’s family member accept Roushonara as daughter-in-law. But Roushonara’s parents did not accept their relationship as because Roushonara was under age. Her parents complain to the police. As a result of this, Tara Khatun and Abul Ali – parents of the boy was punished with rigorous imprisonment for 6 month with fine.
Case no 3:- Ms Nazira khatun, aged 20 years, she got married with Saiful Islam aged 23. They got married at the age of 12 and 15 respectively. Her husband put pressure on girl’s parents to marry her and always warned the girls family if they don’t gave their daughter (Nazira) to him he would commit suicide. These were revealed by the girl.
Case no 4:- Ms Sobura Begum, aged 20 years, daughter of Sofor Ali and Yaton Begum. Sofura got married when she was in class five, at the age of 14 years by the choice of her parents. After marriage she hardly stay in her in-laws’ home for 6 month after that she returned to her parents home permanently. She was unable to take responsibility of a family as because she was not mature enough. In 2014 she got married again with another boy in the age of 19. This story was revealed by the Sobura’s father. Now he has regretting for his fault.
Case no 5:- Ms Fulbanu aged 32 years, 2nd wife of Shahjamal. She revealed that, Shahjamal’s first wife got married at the age of 15, she had 2 offsprings- 2 sons. She died in her 3rd delivery case. Shahjamal’s 2nd wife Fulbanu got married at the age of 17. Fulbanu having 5 offsprings – 4 daughters and 1 son.
Findings: The major findings relating to causes and consequences of child marriage in Milonnagar Shantipur Village are as follows:
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
A. Causes of child marriages - Various norms leading to child marriage in Milonnagar Shantipur village are:
1. Illiteracy is one of the major cause of child marriage in this village - Data shows that in Milonnagar Shantipur village married population are not highly educated (35.2% illiterate and 57.3% below ten standard) Lower level of education and illiteracy gives birth to child marriage in this particular village. 2. Poverty - That poverty increases risk for child marriage, and that income-generating activities for young women are protective. Research shows that the poorest family have the highest child marriage rates (income 31.9% below 5000 & 51.1% within 5000-10000). Child marriage is concentrated in the poorest families. A girl from the poorest household is more than one times as likely to marry before age 18 year of age. Poverty leads to a higher prevalence of child marriage because poor families feel they have fewer resources and incentives to invest in alternative options for girls. Many families say they marry their daughters early because girls are an economic burden that can be relieved through marriage. Moreover, poverty not only contributes to increasing risk of early marriage, but also increases the likelihood that a girl will give birth at a young age, as child brides tend to have children early.
3. Big family size - In Milonnagar Shantipur village the average family size is 5. Though the average family is not much higher still it’s a problem for some illiterate family. Most of the respondent who are the head of the family married in early age they share that they married in early age as because the size of their family was large. But in present day big family size not at all a problem.
4. The use of many modern gadgets and modern life style like mobile phone, TV, facebook, etc - The modern gadgets set, by occupying a central and almost permanent position in our homes, is like a member of the family. Therefore, it has an enormous impact on youngsters. Earlier it was not at all a problem but in some cases it was found that in present situation some people are married in early age because of the using of these modern gadgets. It helps to communicate easier among them and to develop love elope.
5. Social norms - If we see the data we can realize that in Milonnagar Shantipur village child marriage is socially acceptable because more than 50% people are got married arrange by the family members before 18 year of age.
6. For social insecurity - in some families it was found that they are practising early marriage as because they have the social insecurity. Parents whose daughters elope or conceive outside of marriage are stigmatized in the society.
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
7. Lack of awareness - Most of the respondent reviles that earlier they were unaware about the age of marriage when they got married but now they are aware of the age of marriage. Some of the respondent knows that age of marriage 18 for both the gender. And also almost all of the respondents are unaware about the punishment.
B. Consequences of Child Marriage - Child marriage not only is recognized as a human rights violation but also as a barrier to development. Considerable evidence shows that the negative consequences of child marriage are numerous and especially harmful for girls, their children and their communities. As described below, these consequences include poorer health outcomes for young mothers and their children. Evidence also suggests early marriage results in lower levels of education and persistent poverty among girls. 1. Maternal Health - Studies show a strong association between child marriage and early childbirth; more than 50 percent of women give birth before 20. Women who bear children at a young age may face serious health consequences. Young mothers experience higher rates of maternal mortality and higher risk of obstructed labor and pregnancy-induced hypertension because their bodies are unprepared for childbirth. Most of the women are suffering from anemia.
2. Infant Health - The children of teen mothers experience serious health consequences as well. Most of infants of young mothers die during delivery time. As a result of pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. There are many infants have low birth weight, premature birth and infant mortality than those born to older mothers.
3. Education - Child marriage is associated with lower education and economic status of girls. Child brides are less able than older or unmarried girls to access schooling and income generating opportunities or to benefit from education or economic development programs. Girls already in school are often forced to terminate their education when they marry early. Limited mobility, household responsibilities, pregnancy and raising children, and other social restrictions for married girls prevent them from taking advantage of education or work opportunities.
The problem of Child Marriage has become acute. As it was found in the survey conducted in Milonnagar Shantipur village, most of the respondents (parents) are unaware about the actual age of marriage when they got married but now they are aware of the age of marriage. On the other hand some of the respondent knows the age of marriage 18 for both the gender. After the discussion with community leaders and local police I have come to know that there are socio-cultural barriers that have contributed to the continuing low age at marriage.
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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC
VII. Conclusion: Child marriage is the major social problems of present human society. Though there are various Acts against it but still child marriage is practiced all over the world. The problem can be only solved by the uplifment of women in various sectors like education economy etc. Even after independence child marriage is still prevalent in our society. With the development of constitutional framework towards child marriage, there is no strong political will for amending or enforcing the Indian Act or for creating awareness about it in India. However, there is no serious efforts have been made either for better implementation of the legislation or for improvement of women’s health. Child marriage is both a human rights violation and a barrier to development. It robs girls of their ability to reach their full potential and makes it harder for families, communities and countries to escape poverty. To thrive in sinking poverty and achieving other development goals—especially improving the lives of women and children—ending child marriage must become a policy priority, both for governments and international donors. Ending child marriage not only will protect girls and ensure a better future for them and their families; it also will ensure stronger and healthier families and communities. For girls to refuse marriage, they have to understand and own their rights, and be able to support their own life plans. A wide range of programmes should invest in girls, their participation and their well-being. Raising awareness in the media - Media campaigns to raise awareness about general rights and laws and the impact of child marriage. Our members aim to both raise awareness among the general public and to pressure governments and community leaders to take action to end the practice. And also Indian media must present a greater range of female role models from varying career paths to raise the aspirations of girls, in order to create a sense of normality in terms of female employment and equality. Because Maximum people idolized their favorite ‘hero’ or ‘heroine’ who were film and sports stars. . References :
[1] Sagade, Jaya; 2005; Child Marriage in India : Socio-legal and Human Rights Dimensions; Oxford University Press; New Delhi
[2] UNICEF, 2008, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000- amended In 2006 (with Assamese and Bengali translation), UNICEF office for Assam, Guwahati.
[3] Section 2(a) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage act India
[4] Childline 1098 Services, http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/1098.htm
[5] Plan, 2013,”Child Marriage in Bangladesh”, 24 www.ijirssc.in Page 109