1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Historically, early marriage was common across various cultures and civilizations. In ancient societies, marriages were often arranged to strengthen family alliances, secure political ties, and ensure economic stability. For example, in ancient Rome, girls could be married as young as 12, and boys at 14. Similarly, in medieval Europe, early marriage was a common practice among the nobility to forge strategic alliances and preserve family wealth and power. Over the years, however, there has been a growing recognition of the harmful effects of early marriage on girls' health, education, and well-being. Global trends indicate a decline in early marriage rates, but progress is uneven across regions and communities.
Early marriage, defined as the formal or informal union of individuals under the age of 18, is a practice with deep-rooted cultural, economic, and social dimensions. Despite global efforts to curb this phenomenon, it remains prevalent, particularly in developing regions. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), approximately 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year worldwide, a situation that poses significant challenges to their health, education, and overall development.
During the colonial era, the practice of early marriage continued in many colonized regions, often without interference from colonial powers. In some cases, colonial authorities codified existing local customs into law, inadvertently legitimizing early marriage. Post-colonial states have faced significant challenges in reforming these entrenched practices due to the deep-rooted cultural and socio-economic factors involved. Early marriage remains prevalent in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Countries such as Niger, Central African Republic, Chad, Bangladesh, and India have some of the highest rates of child marriage. In these regions, economic hardship, limited educational opportunities, and entrenched gender norms contribute to the persistence of early marriage.
One of the major challenges of early marriage is the weak enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and legal loopholes that allow for exceptions based on parental consent or customary practices undermine efforts to eliminate early marriage. In many countries, existing legal frameworks are insufficient to protect girls from early marriage, and there is a lack of consistent and robust implementation of policies. Strengthening legal protections and ensuring effective enforcement are critical to addressing this issue. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the factors associated with early marriage and impact on female adolescent.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that lack of access to quality education significantly increases the likelihood of early marriage. Girls who are out of school or have limited educational opportunities are more vulnerable to early marriage, as education is both a protective factor and a means to empower young women. The disruption of education not only limits girls' future economic prospects but also reinforces gender inequalities by perpetuating a cycle of dependency and reduced agency. Studies indicate that girls with no education are three times more likely to marry before 18 compared to those with secondary or higher education.
Furthermore, economic hardship is a significant driver of early marriage. In impoverished communities, marrying off daughters is often seen as a strategy to reduce the financial burden on the family or to receive a dowry. This economic motivation is particularly pronounced in regions where poverty levels are high, and families have limited access to resources and opportunities. The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) highlights that in many cases, families believe that early marriage can provide economic security for their daughters, despite the long-term negative consequences. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to analyze the factors associated with early marriage and impact on female adolescent.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the factors associated with early marriage and impact on female adolescent. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To analyze the role of community expectations and traditional practices in influencing the prevalence of early marriage;
- To investigate the economic conditions and financial incentives that lead families to marry off daughters at a young age;
- To assess the impact of poverty and economic instability on the decision-making process related to early marriage;
- To assess how access to and quality of education for girls can serve as a protective factor against early marriage;
- To examine the correlation between educational attainment and the likelihood of early marriage; and
- To suggest strategies for enhancing educational opportunities, economic support, and legal protections for at-risk girls.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does education quality serve as a protective factor against early marriage for girls?
- Is there correlation between educational attainment and the likelihood of early marriage?
- What is the role of community expectations and traditional practices in influencing the prevalence of early marriage?
- What is the economic conditions and financial incentives that lead families to marry off daughters at a young age?
- What is the impact of poverty and economic instability on the decision-making process related to early marriage?
- What are the strategies for enhancing educational opportunities, economic support, and legal protections for at-risk girls?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant association between socio-cultural, economic, and educational factors and the prevalence of early marriage among female adolescents.
- H02: The prevalence of early marriage among female adolescents is significantly influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and educational factors, and its impact extends beyond individual health outcomes to encompass broader socio-economic and psychosocial implications.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of the findings from this research study will inform the development of evidence-based policies and programs targeted at preventing early marriage and supporting at-risk adolescents. By identifying effective strategies for addressing the underlying drivers of early marriage, policymakers and practitioners can implement interventions that empower girls and promote gender equality.
Furthermore, the findings of this research study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the factors associated with early marriage and impact on female adolescent using some selected communities in Bekwara Local Government Area of Cross River State as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Health Impacts:
It refers to the physical and mental health consequences of early marriage on female adolescents. Health impacts may include increased risks of early pregnancy and childbirth complications, higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections, and psychological distress resulting from marital and reproductive responsibilities at a young age.
Early Marriage:
It refers to the formal or informal union of individuals below the age of 18. Early marriage encompasses both legal and customary unions and may involve adolescents marrying individuals who are older or within their age group.
Female Adolescents:
Girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years old, encompassing the transitional period from childhood to adulthood. Female adolescents may face unique challenges and vulnerabilities related to their age, gender, and socio-cultural context.
Socio-Cultural Factors:
It is the social and cultural norms, practices, and beliefs that influence individuals' behaviors, attitudes, and decisions regarding marriage. Socio-cultural factors encompass a wide range of influences, including family traditions, community expectations, religious beliefs, and gender roles.
Economic Drivers:
Economic conditions, opportunities, and constraints that shape decisions related to early marriage. Economic drivers may include poverty, unemployment, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and financial incentives such as dowries or bride prices.
