Child marriage is a marriage in which at least one of the spouses is below the age of 18. This practice is also known as early marriage, pre-adolescent marriage, child wedlock, child spousal, or minors’ marriage.
It is prevalent in many countries across the globe and is often arranged between families as a way to secure economic and social benefits. Globally, an estimated 12 million children are married each year, often with disastrous consequences for the children in terms of health, education, and human rights.
Child marriage affects both boys and girls but is primarily a practice that disproportionately affects girls, often forcing them into adult roles for which they are ill-prepared. Typically, girls who are married at a young age are often denied their right to education, experience physical and mental health issues, and suffer domestic violence at the hands of their husbands and in-laws.
Moreover, child marriage is a major violation of human rights; that disproportionately affects girls, as most are married off to older men who are likely to be more domineering and abusive.
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What is another word for child marriage?
An alternate term for child marriage is forced marriage. It is a human rights violation in which children under the age of 18 are forced to marry against their will and without their consent. In some cultures, both boys and girls may be forced into a marriage before the age of 18, but the majority of child marriages involve girls.
A child marriage is a breach of basic rights to health, safety, education, and protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation. It is also unlawful under international law.
What are some synonyms for marriage?
Some synonyms for marriage are wedlock, matrimony, union, nuptials, espousal, and connubiality. Other less commonly used words are hymeneal, connubial, consors, connubium, and spousal.
Are child marriages legal in the US?
No, child marriages are not legal in the US. The definition of a child varies from state to state, with some states defining a child as any person under 18 and others allowing those as young as 16 or 17 to marry with parental consent.
However, many states have enacted laws in recent years to raise the minimum age for marriage or ban it altogether, making child marriages illegal throughout the US.
Most states require consent of a parent or guardian for a minor to be married and/or require that judicial consent be obtained before a marriage license can be issued. Some states also have strict rules about the age difference between the parties, requiring that they be within a certain age range or age gap limit in order for the marriage to be legally enforceable.
In addition, many states have provisions that require those who do marry underage to meet certain requirements, such as finishing high school or completing a pre-marital counseling program.
Though child marriage is not legal anywhere in the US, such marriages still take place and are a source of concern for many advocacy groups. Child marriage is sometimes linked to domestic abuse, economic hardship, and other issues, and can result in negative social and economic impacts for the people involved.
It is important that individuals and families have access to accurate information about the legal requirements for marriage in their state in order to protect the welfare of those involved.
What is the Old English word for married?
The Old English word for married is “ge cerrad,” which literally translates to “joined in a bond. ” This was the most commonly used term across pre-modern English dialects to refer to a married couple in the Middle Ages and beyond, and it is still used in some rural British dialects today.
The term is derived from the Proto-Germanic language, with similar terms used in modern German and Dutch. The verb “to marry” in Old English (and simply “maran” in Proto-Germanic) is also derived from this word and has given us the English verb “to marry.
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What is the period before engagement called?
The period before engagement is often referred to as the courtship period. This is the time that couples who are interested in marriage spend getting to know each other better and exploring their relationship.
During the courtship period, a couple may go on dates, talk about their future hopes and dreams, and learn more about what it means to form a lifelong bond. The courtship period is also a great time for each person to develop a better understanding of their values, beliefs, and what they want out of a relationship.
Ultimately, it’s an important part of the engagement process, as it helps both partners decide whether they are truly ready to make such a big commitment to each other and start their life together.
What is the similar meaning of early?
The similar meaning of early is “premature,” “before the usual or expected time,” or “occurring before something else happens. ” Early is most often used to refer to an event or occurrence that is before its expected or usual time, such as in the phrase “arriving early.
” It can also be used to refer to things that happen before something else, such as in the phrase “earlier than expected. ” Additionally, early can refer to something taking place before it should, such as in the phrase “too early.
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What is the lowest legal age of marriage in the US?
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the lowest legal age of marriage in the US is 18. Many states, however, allow minors to obtain marriage licenses with parental consent or a court order.
Depending on the state, the minimum age for marriage with parental consent ranges from 16 to 18, although in most jurisdictions it is 17. While laws vary from state to state, it is generally illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to marry in any US state.
Why is it wrong to marry a child?
Marrying a child is wrong for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it is illegal for anyone, including children, to marry in most countries as it violates the age of consent laws. Child marriage is a human rights violation, as it puts young people in dangerous and vulnerable situations.
Children who marry often put their education and future in jeopardy, and they lack the physical, emotional, and psychological maturity to make informed decisions and to understand the implications of marriage.
Child marriage also contributes to gender inequality, since girls are disproportionately impacted by it, and it increases their risk of physical and psychological abuse. Furthermore, in many cases, child brides are forced or coerced into marriage and lack the ability to say no.
Marrying a child is morally wrong, as it takes away their rights and freedoms, and it can have devastating consequences for both the individual and society at large.
Where does child marriage happen the most?
Child marriage is a major global issue that still occurs in many parts of the world, often in violation of international and regional laws and standards. According to research conducted by UNICEF, the countries with the highest rates of child marriage are Niger (76%), Chad (68%), Mali (65%), Bangladesh (56%), Guinea (55%), and the Central African Republic (54%).
In Niger, the average age for a young girl to be married is 14 years old. The law in the country sets the legal minimum age for marriage at 15, but that is often not followed due to deeply rooted cultural norms.
Poverty and lack of education are largely seen as the primary drivers of child marriage in Niger, as well as many other countries in the region.
In Bangladesh, early and forced marriage is both culturally and economically driven. Many of the marriages are arranged by the families, often in exchange for money or gifts. Bangladesh also has a high rate of dowry-related violence and wife inheritance, which can contribute to the practice of child marriage.
In Guinea, child marriage is often seen as a way to ensure a girls’ protection and a form of economic security for both her and her family. In a cultural context, marriage is viewed as a solution to the instability of young women’s lives, particularly due to poverty and limited access to education.
Clearly, the prevalence and drivers of child marriage vary in different parts of the world, depending on the socio-economic, cultural, and legal contexts of each region. Despite legislation, international standards, and global initiatives and organizations focused on eliminating child marriage, it continues to be an issue with far-reaching consequences and devastating impacts on young girls’ lives worldwide.
