Girl child marriage and the social context of displacement: a qualitative comparative exploration of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
Outcomes: Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways The study reveals how deeply embedded gender norms—specifically those governing girl child marriage—are reinforced and sometimes intensified in contexts of displacement. Both descriptive norms (what people do) and injunctive norms (what people expect) drive early marriage practices in Syrian and Rohingya refugee communities. These norms are transmitted intergenerationally and maintained through social sanctions such as stigma and loss of social status. Despite their entrenchment, participants also identified pathways for change, particularly through social diffusion, peer influence, education, and engagement with host communities.
Objectives To explore how social norms and the broader social environment influence attitudes and practices related to girl child marriage in two humanitarian settings: among Syrian refugees in Jordan and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Methods The study employed a qualitative, comparative design using eight focus group discussions (FGDs) across both contexts (four per country). Participants included fathers, mothers, unmarried adolescent boys, and unmarried adolescent girls (ages 15–22). Discussions were held in the participants’ native languages (Arabic and Rohingya), transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed using Atlas.ti software through a constant comparative method.
Results Three main domains emerged:
Tradition Child marriage is perceived as a traditional and protective practice, intensified by displacement-related stressors like poverty and insecurity.
Social Influence Girls reported limited agency, with decisions dominated by fathers and extended family. Peer pressure and fear of community judgment further enforced early marriage norms.
Opportunities for Change Participants noted emerging support for girls’ education and highlighted social diffusion and the positive influence of host communities as potential levers for normative change. Young men, in particular, were identified as potentially influential change agents.
Conclusions Displacement exacerbates existing gender norms around child marriage, but also creates openings for change through new social connections and evolving attitudes. Norms-based interventions must address both descriptive and injunctive norms and leverage influential social relationships. Programs aiming to reduce child marriage should foster community dialogue, support girls’ education, and integrate host-refugee engagement to promote social norm transformation.
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