Child Marriage in Ethnic Minorities Today

Abstract

The paper explores child marriage and marital experiences of ethnic minority women and girls in three densely populated areas of ethnic minorities in Vietnam. The results show that the average age of first marriage for both ethnic minority men and women in three surveyed areas is significantly lower than the legal age for marriage. Additionally, the analysis points out a close relationship between their education level, age group, ethnicity and the average age of first marriage, which reaffirms the role of education as the primary protective factor in reducing the risk of child marriage for girls. Early marriage in adolescence has led to several long-term and severe consequences such as economic hardship, domestic violence, health and psychological problems, or dropping out of school, especially common among young girls. Being the weaker side in the decision-making process and having less property ownership could impede their opportunities and dreams.