The Decision Maker of Early Marriage for Adolescent Girls and Its Impact In Coastal Area: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose- This study explores the experience of women who get married early, including decision makers for marriage in the family and marital violence that accompanies.

Design/methodology/approach- In this qualitative study, data were collected through interviewes using semi structured interview guidelines. Each participant was interviewed for 30-100 minutes. Participants consisted of 52 women aged 21-35 years. Purposive sampling was undergone, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings- Three main themes were found. The first theme is early marriage; The second is father, mother and grandmother as the decision maker; Third is the problem and violence after early marriage, in which most women experience physical and psychological violence from their husbands. Some decide to divorce and go into prostitution.

Research limitations/implications- Discussions and cooperation with cross sectoral civil groups such as extension workers, namely the National Population and Family Planning Agency, Social Service, Community Social Institution, Indonesian Women’s Ulama Congres are needed to prevent early marriage by campaigning for problems that may occur after early marriage and establishing Youth Integrated Healthcare Center  as coaching forum.

Originality- This study is focused on coastal areas, the majority of which are inhabited by young people. The Islamic Madurese coastal community has a unique cultural tradition of upholding the culture of early marriage as a legacy of their ancestors, guided by the Koran, which does not state the minimum age for marriage. The culture allows one to marry underage girls considering that unmarried 16-year-old girls are believed to be unwanted by men.