key term - Child marriage

Definition

Child marriage refers to the practice of marrying off individuals, typically girls, before they reach adulthood, often before the age of 18. This practice has deep roots in various cultures, including Hindu communities, where it has been historically linked to societal norms and economic factors, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries when reform movements began addressing the issue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Child marriage was prevalent in many parts of India and was often justified by tradition and the belief that it provided economic security for families.
2. In the 19th century, reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy actively campaigned against child marriage and pushed for legal reforms to protect women's rights.
3. The Child Marriage Restraint Act was passed in India in 1929, establishing a minimum age for marriage but was not strictly enforced for many years.
4. The prevalence of child marriage has significant implications on health, education, and social status for young girls, often leading to early pregnancies and limited opportunities.
5. Hindu reform movements during the 19th and 20th centuries played a crucial role in challenging the social norms surrounding child marriage, advocating for the empowerment and education of women.

Review Questions

• How did Hindu reform movements in the 19th century address the issue of child marriage?
  • Hindu reform movements in the 19th century, led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, sought to challenge traditional practices such as child marriage by raising awareness about its negative impacts on health and education. These movements aimed to empower women through education and legal reforms, emphasizing that girls should not be married off at a young age. They campaigned for the enactment of laws like the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, which set a minimum age for marriage.
• What were some social implications of child marriage that Hindu reform movements aimed to change?
  • Hindu reform movements aimed to change several social implications of child marriage, including the limited educational opportunities for girls and their subsequent dependency on husbands. Reformers argued that early marriage deprived girls of their childhood, leading to health risks associated with early pregnancies and further entrenching gender inequality. By advocating for women's rights and education, these movements sought to improve the status of women in society and reduce the prevalence of child marriages.
• Evaluate how the enforcement of laws against child marriage has evolved from the early 20th century to today in India.
  • The enforcement of laws against child marriage in India has undergone significant changes from the early 20th century to today. Initially, the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 set a minimum age for marriage but lacked strong enforcement mechanisms. Over time, increased awareness from reform movements and NGOs has led to better implementation of laws and a growing recognition of women's rights. Despite progress, challenges remain due to cultural resistance and socio-economic factors that continue to perpetuate child marriage in certain regions. Today, efforts are focused on not only enforcing laws but also educating communities about the harmful effects of child marriage.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or gifts traditionally brought by a bride to her husband at marriage, often seen as a factor that perpetuates child marriage.

Reform Movements: Social and political movements aimed at changing societal norms and practices, including those targeting child marriage and advocating for women's rights.

Women's Rights: The rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls in various societies, which have been championed through reform movements to combat practices like child marriage.