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Child marriage in Canada: A systematic review

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  • Michele Zaman
  • Alissa Koski

Abstract

Child marriage, defined by the United Nations as marriage before the age of 18, is considered a violation of human rights with negative consequences for girls’ health. We systematically reviewed existing academic literature and news media to learn what is known about the frequency of child marriage in Canada and its effects on health. Approximately 1% of 15-19-year-olds in Canada were married or in common law unions in 2016. News reports document cases of child marriage among religious minority communities but no nationwide estimates of the frequency of marriage before the age of 18 were identified. Sources consistently show girls are more likely to marry as teens than boys. Information on married teens between 15 and 19 years of age suggests similarities in marriage patterns among this age group in Canada and child marriage practices globally. Further research is needed to measure Canada’s progress toward eliminating child marriage.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Zaman & Alissa Koski, 2020. "Child marriage in Canada: A systematic review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(3), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0229676
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229676
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naveen Sunder, 2019. "Marriage Age, Social Status, and Intergenerational Effects in Uganda," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 56(6), pages 2123-2146, December.
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