A spouse is a significant other in a marriage, civil union, or common-law marriage. The term is gender neutral, whereas a male spouse is a husband and a female spouse is a wife. Although a spouse is a form of significant other, the latter term also includes non-marital partners who play a social role similar to that of a spouse, but do not have rights and duties reserved by law to a spouse.
Marriageable age is the minimum age at which a person is allowed by law to marry, either as a right or subject to parental, judicial or other forms of approval. Age and other prerequisites to marriage vary between jurisdictions, but in the vast majority of jurisdictions, the marriage age as a right is set at the age of majority. Nevertheless, most jurisdictions allow marriage at a younger age with parental or judicial approval, and some also allow younger people to marry if the female is pregnant. Until recently, the marriageable age for women was lower in many jurisdictions than for men, but in many places has now been raised to those of men.
Child marriage is a formal marriage or an informal union entered into by an individual before reaching a certain age, specified by several global organizations such as UNICEF as minors under the age of 18. The legally prescribed marriageable age in some jurisdictions is below 18 years, especially in the case of girls; and even when the age is set at 18 years, many jurisdictions permit earlier marriage with parental consent or in special circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy. In certain countries, even when the legal marriage age is 18, cultural traditions take priority over legislative law. Child marriage violates the rights of children; it affects both boys and girls, but it is more common among girls. Child marriage has widespread and long term consequences for child brides and grooms. According to several UN agencies, comprehensive sexuality education can prevent such a phenomenon.
Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or more of the parties is married without his or her consent or against his or her will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties presumably consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party such as a matchmaker in choosing a spouse. There is often a continuum of coercion used to compel a marriage, ranging from outright physical violence to subtle psychological pressure. Forced marriage is still practised in various cultures across the world, particularly in parts of South Asia and Africa. Some scholars object to use of the term "forced marriage" because it invokes the consensual legitimating language of marriage for an experience that is precisely the opposite. A variety of alternative terms exist, including "forced conjugal association" and "conjugal slavery".
Teen marriage is the union of two adolescents, ranging in age from 13 to 21, who are joined in marriage. Many factors contribute to teen marriage such as love, teen pregnancy, religion, security, wealth, family, peer pressure, arranged marriage, economic and/or political reasons, social advancement, and cultural reasons. Studies have shown that teenage married couples are often less advantageous, may come from broken homes, may have little education, and work low status jobs in comparison with those that marry after adolescence.
According to UNICEF, child marriage is the "formal marriage or informal union before age 18," and it affects more girls than boys. In Afghanistan, 57% of girls are married before they are 19. The most common ages for girls to get married are 15 and 16. Factors such as gender dynamics, family structure, cultural, political, and economic perceptions/ideologies all play a role in determining if a girl is married at a young age.
Child marriage in India, according to the Indian law, is a marriage where either the woman is below age 18 or the man is below age 21. Most child marriages involve underage women, many of whom are in poor socio-economic conditions.
Child marriage in the United States refers to a marriage in the United States where at least one party is under the age of 18.
Child marriage is a worldwide phenomenon, in which children are forced to enter into a marriage bond. Child marriage is an increasing problem within many African countries. In South Sudan, child marriage is a growing epidemic. Child Marriage is a violation of women's and children's rights. The age range for these children to marry is between the age of twelve and eighteen. Although, 18 is the legal age to marry, many cultural practices are placed higher that the actual law in underrepresented countries. Marriages are granted approval with a parental consent. Underage marriage is an uncomfortable topic, yet it is practiced widely by the Fathers of the families, in countries that experience poverty. This happens in order to have financial stability through dowry, the increase in bride price, and the alleviation out of poverty.
Child Marriage in Nigeria. In 2017 in Nigeria, 43% of girls are married off before the age of 18. 17% are married before they turn 15. Nigeria is the 11th highest nation in the world for number of child marriages.
Child Marriage in Sudan. In 2017 in Sudan, 34% of girls are married off before the 18 years old. 12% are married before they turn 15. Sudan is the 29th highest nation in the world for child marriage.
Child Marriage in Zimbabwe. In 2017 in Zimbabwe, 32% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 4% are married before they turn 15.
Child Marriage in Togo. In 2017 in Togo, 22% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 6% are married before they turn 15.
Child Marriage in Cameroon. In 2017 in Cameroon, 31% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 10% are married before they turn 15.
Child Marriage in Burundi. In 2017 in Burundi, 20% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 3% are married before they turn 15.
In 2017 in Uganda, 40% of girls are married off before 18 years old. 10% are married before they turn 15. Uganda is the 16th highest nation in the world for child marriage.
In 2017 in Ethiopia, 40% of girls are married off before 18 years old. 14% are married before they turn 15. Ethiopia is the 16th highest nation in the world for child marriage.
In 2017 in Somalia, 45% of girls are married off before 18 years old. 8% are married before they turn 15. Somalia is the 10th highest nation in the world for child marriage.
Child Marriage in Mali. In 2017 in Mali, 52% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 17% are married before they turn 15. Mali is the 5th highest nation in the world for child marriage.
Child Marriage in Kenya. In 2017 in Kenya, 23% of girls are married off before the 18 yo. 4% are married before they turn 15.
