Poverty, dowry and the ‘good match’: revisiting community perceptions and practices of child marriage in a rural setting in Bangladesh
Outcomes: Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Despite widespread awareness of the harms of child marriage in Bangladesh, the practice persists due to deeply embedded social norms around gender roles, dowry, and family honor. The ideal of a “good match”—where the husband is older, more educated, and dominant—drives early marriage and reinforces female subservience. These norms are maintained not only by families but also by broader patriarchal structures, including legal and cultural frameworks. Raising awareness or improving access to education alone is insufficient; interventions must aim to shift the social ideal from a “good match” to an “equal match.”
Objectives The study explored how community perceptions, attitudes, and practices in rural Bangladesh sustain child marriage, despite legal prohibitions and increasing education. It examined the roles of poverty, dowry, safety concerns, and gendered ideals of marriage.
Methods Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, researchers conducted six group discussions and follow-up interviews with 64 stakeholders including adolescents, parents, community leaders, and religious figures. Findings informed a household survey completed by 3,344 participants across three rural unions in the Badarganj sub-district. The study gathered data on marriage practices, attitudes, dowry payments, and legal awareness.
Results Although most participants opposed child marriage in principle, 41% of reported marriages in the past three years involved children. The average age at marriage was 15.4 for girls. While poverty and concerns over girls’ safety were cited as contributing factors, the most common reason given for early marriage (55.8% of child marriages) was finding a “good match.” Many families believed it was better to marry daughters early if a socially desirable suitor became available. Dowry was a major influence, with younger brides requiring less dowry. Child marriage was reported not only in poor but also in middle and wealthy households, challenging the notion that it is purely poverty-driven.
Conclusions Child marriage in Bangladesh is rooted in gender norms that value subservience in women and male dominance in marriage. While economic and educational interventions help, they are not enough on their own. To reduce child marriage, programs must address the underlying social norms that define a successful marriage and reinforce unequal gender roles.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.