Teenage marriage is becoming a growing trend in many parts of the world today. A great number of these marriages do not happen by choice, following traditions that have long since fallen away in the wider world.
But even those where both sides enter willingly are heavily influenced by circumstances – whether it’s early pregnancy, or ignorance, or simply not having other options.
When you think of a couple getting married at an early age, you might think of ethnic families with traditions of large families, or of arranged or even forced marriages. Child marriages in particular have inflicted untold damage on young people who are often compelled by family or community pressure to tie the knot.
It reminds people in the west of medieval times when families betrothed their young daughters to older suitors in exchange for certain benefits.
Of course there are many problems that come with marriage at such a young age, such as being unable to pursue an education. Many youngsters, especially girls, have to give up their schooling when they marry, being no longer able – or allowed – to devote time for their studies. They miss out on many opportunities in life because of this.
Coping with new financial responsibilities is another burden, as setting up a home of their own and bearing all the costs of running the house and taking care of the family can take their toll on the young and unprepared.
Young couples generally do not like to receive help from their parents, determined as they are to venture out on their own. But it is not easy to assume this kind of responsibility at such an early age, particularly since putting off education can prove to be a costly affair – both in terms of money and the relationship.
And that’s not to mention the change in lifestyle. There’s no more time for leisure or relaxation with so many other things on their plates – especially if they have children – and young people usually lack the maturity to deal with this.
Even so, a rising number of teenagers, mostly from disadvantaged areas, are growing up seemingly ignorant of these concerns, and are diving headfirst into marriage. It’s a contrast to the wider world, where more and more women prefer to be independent and lead their lives on their own without the assistance of a man.
Today’s teenagers feel more grown up than they are, and want to decide their lives on their own – often well before they are ready. They might feel that marriage can strengthen their relationships, or solve the problem of teenage pregnancy. But marriage is never a solution to problems like these; indeed, it often only makes them worse.
