Early Marriage in Sulu: Causes and Reactions

Abstract

Early marriage is common. More than 650 million women and girls were married before their 18th birthday. This paper tackles the causes of early marriage and reaction of parents as well as educators to early marriage. Identified causes perceived by students are: Internet exposure, peer’s influence, tradition, unintended pregnancy, unestablished law for marriageable age, lack of parental guidance, lack of parent’s affection and abduction. As for reactions of parents, they do not agree: early marriage; marrying early as a solution to one’s poverty; conducting early marriage awareness in school; readiness of young married individuals for the responsibilities; that divorce happens in young married couple; and that a youth of higher socio-economic family has a higher probability of not to engage in early marriage. In addition, parents suggest that the proper marriageable age should start at 25.As for reactions of educators, they disagree on the following: early marriage; that the increase in early marriage could affect economic status of the community; that the divorce happens in young married couple; that early marriage prevents youth from reaching their dreams; that education is the key or solution to prevent early marriage; that unschooled individual has a greater chance of getting into early marriage; and creating school programs regarding early marriage. However, they are not sure of the following: that early marriage is one cause of school drop outs; and heterosexual relationship happens without parent consent. Based on the findings and conclusion, Parents must guide the youth to prevent the increasing of early marriage.