Forced marriage

Definition

Forced marriage is a union in which one or both parties are married without their consent, often under coercion or pressure from family or community members. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and economic factors, and is a significant violation of human rights, reflecting broader issues related to gender inequality and violence against women.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. According to the United Nations, millions of people are forced into marriage every year, with women and girls being disproportionately affected.
2. Forced marriage can lead to various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence, and often limits the victim's access to education and employment opportunities.
3. In many cultures, forced marriages are justified by traditional beliefs and practices that prioritize family honor over individual autonomy.
4. Legal frameworks in various countries have started to recognize forced marriage as a crime, but enforcement remains inconsistent due to cultural stigma and lack of awareness.
5. Victims of forced marriage often face significant barriers to escape, including social isolation, threats of violence against themselves or their families, and lack of access to supportive services.

Review Questions

• How does forced marriage relate to issues of gender inequality within society?
  • Forced marriage is closely tied to gender inequality as it primarily affects women and girls who are often viewed as property or pawns in family dynamics. Societal norms may prioritize male authority and control over women's rights to choose their partners. This systemic inequality perpetuates the cycle of violence and discrimination against women, reinforcing the need for social change to promote gender equity.
• Discuss the connection between forced marriage and human trafficking as forms of gender-based violence.
  • Forced marriage is often linked to human trafficking, as individuals may be trafficked for the purpose of being forced into marriage. Both practices reflect severe violations of human rights and stem from similar societal attitudes that devalue women's autonomy. Traffickers may exploit vulnerable populations by promising them better opportunities while ultimately subjecting them to abusive relationships where they have no agency.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current legal measures against forced marriage in different cultural contexts.
  • The effectiveness of legal measures against forced marriage varies widely across cultural contexts. In some countries, laws explicitly criminalizing forced marriages exist but are poorly enforced due to entrenched cultural norms that resist change. In other regions, lack of awareness about legal rights contributes to continued practices. Thus, while legal frameworks can provide a basis for protection, community education and engagement are critical for changing attitudes that sustain forced marriage.

Related terms

Child marriage: A formal marriage or informal union where one or both parties are below the age of 18, often resulting from societal pressures and lack of education.

Human trafficking: The illegal trade of people for exploitation purposes, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, often linked to forced marriages.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods at the marriage of a daughter, which can sometimes pressure families into forced marriages due to economic considerations.