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Factors Influencing Choices for Early Marriage in Urban Informal Settlements of Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Raia Azmi

    (Noora Health, Bangladesh)

  • Md Uzzal Chowdhury

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Hasna Hena Sara

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Subas Chandra Biswas

    (CARE, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Sairana Ahsan

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Syeda Seama Mowri

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Rafia Sultana

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladeshz)

  • Tanvir Hasan

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Sabina Faiz Rashid

    (Centre for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CGSRHR), BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Abstract

This study explores factors that shape parents’ decisions as to whether or not to arrange an early marriage of a girl child in the context of urban informal settlements in Bangladesh. The article draws on data from a larger mixed methods study conducted in two informal urban settlements of Bangladesh, and the analysis was guided by the theory of social exchange. The study found the following factors leading to early marriage: endemic poverty, high dowry costs for older girls, parents’ lack of wider social networks, adolescents dropping out of school, crime and insecurity, love affairs between adolescents and community pressure. Collaboration between government and non-government programmes to improve education, implementation of supportive laws, and greater formal economic opportunities for residents, including adolescents, in urban informal settlements, are critical to prevent early marriage in these environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Raia Azmi & Md Uzzal Chowdhury & Hasna Hena Sara & Subas Chandra Biswas & Sairana Ahsan & Syeda Seama Mowri & Rafia Sultana & Tanvir Hasan & Sabina Faiz Rashid, 2021. "Factors Influencing Choices for Early Marriage in Urban Informal Settlements of Bangladesh," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 21(3), pages 298-320, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:21:y:2021:i:3:p:298-320
    DOI: 10.1177/14649934211023003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicola Banks, 2012. "Urban poverty in Bangladesh: causes, consequences and coping strategies," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 17812, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    2. Kathryn M. Yount & AliceAnn Crandall & Yuk Fai Cheong & Theresa L. Osypuk & Lisa M. Bates & Ruchira T. Naved & Sidney Ruth Schuler, 2016. "Child Marriage and Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Bangladesh: A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 53(6), pages 1821-1852, December.
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