Early marriage among Syrian refugees in Jordan: exploring contested meanings through ethnography

Abstract

Early marriage remains a central concern among reproductive and sexual rights advocates worldwide. Mainstream researchers have often focused on the negative effects of early marriage on young women, presenting them as powerless victims of social and cultural traditions. Yet the voices and perceptions of young women remain strongly absent in many studies on early marriage. Our study addresses this knowledge gap by utilising participatory and ethnographic methodologies to better understand what early marriage means to those who have experienced it and how these emic perspectives may diverge from humanitarian paradigms. Since the war began in 2011, Syrians have become one of the largest groups of refugees worldwide, with over 5.5 million individuals seeking asylum abroad. Humanitarian organisations have called attention to high rates of early marriage within this population and its unique drivers in the specific context of displacement. We draw upon data collected between 2018 and 2020 during 90 individual interviews and 14 participatory action research meetings to explore how Syrian refugee women conceptualise the practice of early marriage and its drivers after displacement. Our findings reveal that early marriage is perceived as a practice that benefits young women and is justified in terms of its beneficial effects. Participants described early marriage as a rational solution to present-day problems, many of which they associate with the unique context of displacement. Our findings echo prior qualitative studies that illustrate the complexity of attitudes towards early marriage and the importance of understanding the specific contexts in which it is practised.

Decision-Making, Violence, Resistance, and Love: Contested and Complicating Narratives of Syrian Marriages

“…Within analyses conducted by humanitarian actors and even academic literature, fathers are often presented as key decision-makers about marriage (Al Akash & Chalmiers, 2021). However, my research findings highlight a more complex picture of marriage decision-making, firstly through the role of women, which emerges in accounts of mothers in arranging and approving marriages.…”

“…Early marriage is not depicted as influenced by love but shaped by economic pragmatism, or the need to protect girls from violence. Such marriages are often described as forced upon girls, especially by fathers (Al Akash & Chalmiers, 2021;Higher Population Council-Jordan, 2017; Save the Children, 2014; UNICEF, 2014)-a narrative which links to humanitarian representations of refugee men as "primitive" and requiring reform (Olivius, 2016, p. 56). Scholars assert that linking early marriage to patriarchy can negate the role of other factors in sustaining the practice and perpetuate racialized assumptions (Zuntz et al, 2021, p. 183).…”

“…Within reports focused on gender and Syrian refugees, narratives have often centered on how displacement has resulted in more “early marriages” (International Rescue Committee, 2012; Oxfam & ABAAD, 2013; Save the Children, 2014). Early marriage is commonly understood as marriage occurring under the age of 18 when it is understood that consent is not possible (Al Akash & Chalmiers, 2021). Early marriage is not depicted as influenced by love but shaped by economic pragmatism, or the need to protect girls from violence.…”

Tick tick boom: The rise of child marriage in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In particular, parents were worrying that during the lockdown online intimacy could be done easily by their daughters through gadgets and internet and these behaviours will be badmouthed by their neighbours (Handayani, Nuraini, & Agustiya, 2021;Iustitiani & Ajisuksmo, 2018;Kasjim, 2016). This fear of children would do zinah through digital technology was also found as one of the reasons for Syrian refugee parents in Jordan to marry their children, especially girls, before leaving the home country or as soon as when arrive at the host country (Al Akash & Chalmiers, 2021).…”

Temporary Adjustment or Normative Change? Fertility and Marriage Preferences of Syrian Refugees in Turkey in the Context of Forced Migration

“…As a result, many researchers, academicians and international organizations published on a variety of subjects focusing on the Syrian refugees. Despite the high number of publications and special issues about Syrian refugees including subjects such as policy-making, health, social protection and security (Tsourapas, 2019;Munajed and Ekren, 2020;Bozdag et al, 2021;Kurt et al, 2021), only a few them were focusing on the changes on fertility and marriage preferences (Korri et al, 2020;Mirwais et al, 2020;Sieverding et al, 2020;Çöl et al, 2020;Al Akash and Chalmiers, 2021).…”