A Theoretical Framework for Social Norms in Child Marriage: Parents’ Lived Experience in Decision-Making in Sub-Saharan Africa

Citation: Dr. Hadiza Yakub, "A Theoretical Framework for Social Norms in Child Marriage: Parents’ Lived Experience in Decision-Making in Sub-Saharan Africa", Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences, Volume 02, Issue 01.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

A theoretical and conceptual framework is presented detailing the relationship between injunctive norm(s) and the decision-making process associated with child marriage based on Parents’ Lived Experience. The practice of child marriage is internationally recognized as pervasive abuse and a violation of child and human rights that significantly compromises maternal and child health; the question of how and why parents make decisions regarding child marriage is modeled to provide an understanding of the phenomena based on societal social norms and values. The elucidation of the phenomena has been dominated by an exposition of the harmful effects of this practice on young girls, their families, and society, as well as the issues of economic survival, including poverty and inequality. The study examines numerous factors that contribute to and promote the practice of child marriage, such as peer pressure, sanction, and exclusion, including the use of force. The study concludes that the phenomena of child marriage are driven by societal social injunctive norms and values inherent in traditions and cultures underlined by a parental desire to gain acceptability.The continued practice of child marriage highlights a significant disconnect between communities practicing child marriage, international and national agencies, and human rights organizations and highlights the limitations in understanding the phenomenon. The model predicts child marriage relies on the parents’ egocentric, projected, or benevolent behaviors and is only delayed in the case of simulated behaviors. The resulting harmful effects of child marriage and potential benefits are also described.

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https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulmhs.2024.0201002