A qualitative social network analysis of decision-making around child marriage in three villages in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, the prevalence of child marriage remains high. Parents are known to be key decision-makers for their daughter's marriage, however, little is known about wider social network support for girl's early marriage. This study examines the key actors and dynamics in social networks, often across generations, that support early marriage decisions and explores the reasons, experiences, and perceptions of benefits for girl's early marriage.MethodsThis qualitative social network analysis (SNA) interviewed 6 adolescent girls married before 18 years of age and members of their familial and social networks (n = 20) in three villages in Bangladesh. Young women and network members participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews and identified and ranked network members involved in marriage decisions. A thematic analysis was conducted and social network maps were created with participants.ResultsParents were central in the decision-making of girls' marriage. Fathers were final decision-makers and mothers were important in the coordination of marriage. The age of a girl was not a central factor in marriage decisions, rather readiness for marriage depended on perceptions of physical growth, maturity, demeanour, and beauty. Timing of girls' marriage was also based on household economic conditions and averting potential losses of honour, which were persistent themes across participants and generations.ConclusionsThis study found that marriage decisions for adolescent girls were made by girls' immediate social and familial networks. Programming and policy changes are needed to create community- and network-led change to shift perceptions of girls' readiness for marriage before 18 years.