Why Teenage Marriage is Still a Common Practice in the Philippines
How Teenage Marriage Affects Filipino Culture and Society
Teenage marriage is a phenomenon that has been observed in many parts of the world, but it is especially prevalent in the Philippines. According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey, 15% of Filipino women aged 15-19 are already married or in a union, and 2% are already mothers or pregnant with their first child. This is one of the highest rates of teenage marriage in Southeast Asia, and it has significant implications for the culture and society of the country.
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What are the causes of teenage marriage in the Philippines?
There are many factors that contribute to the high incidence of teenage marriage in the Philippines, such as poverty, lack of education, gender norms, family pressure, religion, and romantic love. Some of the common reasons why Filipino teenagers decide to get married are:
Poverty: Many families in rural and urban areas live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic needs. Some parents may arrange or encourage their daughters to marry early to reduce their economic burden or to secure a better future for them. Some teenagers may also see marriage as a way to escape from poverty or to access more opportunities.
Lack of education: Many Filipino teenagers drop out of school due to financial constraints, poor academic performance, or early pregnancy. Without education, they have limited options for employment and personal development. They may also lack awareness and access to reproductive health services and information, which increases their risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Gender norms: The Philippines is a patriarchal society where traditional gender roles and expectations are still dominant. Women are expected to be submissive, obedient, and nurturing, while men are expected to be authoritative, responsible, and breadwinners. These norms influence the decision-making and behavior of teenagers regarding marriage and sexuality. For example, some girls may feel pressured to marry early to fulfill their role as wives and mothers, while some boys may feel obliged to marry early to prove their masculinity and maturity.
Family pressure: Family is a very important institution in Filipino culture, and it exerts a strong influence on the lives of teenagers. Some families may have a preference for early marriage for their children due to cultural or religious reasons. Some families may also disapprove of premarital sex or cohabitation, and may force their children to marry if they are found out or if they become pregnant.
Religion: The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, where the Church has a significant role in shaping the values and morals of the people. The Church teaches that marriage is a sacred and lifelong union between a man and a woman, and that sex should only take place within marriage. These teachings may affect the attitudes and choices of teenagers regarding marriage and sexuality. For example, some teenagers may opt to marry early to avoid sin or guilt, or to comply with their religious beliefs.
Romantic love: Despite the various social and economic pressures that may influence their decision to marry early, some Filipino teenagers may also choose to marry early out of romantic love. They may feel that they have found their true partner or soulmate, and that they are ready to commit to each other for life. They may also view marriage as a way to express their love or to protect their relationship from external threats.
What are the effects of teenage marriage in the Philippines?
Teenage marriage has significant effects on the culture and society of the Philippines, both positive and negative. Some of the common effects are:
Health risks: Teenage marriage exposes both girls and boys to various health risks, such as maternal mortality, infant mortality, malnutrition, anemia, HIV/AIDS, and other complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Teenage mothers are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery than older mothers, due to their physical immaturity and lack of prenatal care. Teenage fathers are also more likely to suffer from stress, depression, substance abuse, and violence than older fathers.
Educational outcomes: Teenage marriage often leads to lower educational attainment for both girls and boys. Teenage spouses tend to drop out of school or perform poorly due to their marital responsibilities or parental duties. They also face barriers such as stigma, discrimination, lack of support, or lack of resources
to continue their education. As a result, they have fewer opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.
Economic consequences: Teenage marriage also affects the economic situation of both girls and boys. Teenage spouses tend to have lower income and higher poverty than older spouses, due to their limited education and skills. They also face higher expenses and debts due to their household and childcare needs. They may also depend on their parents or relatives for financial support, which may create tension or conflict within the family.
Social implications: Teenage marriage also has social implications for both girls and boys. Teenage spouses tend to have less social interaction and participation than older spouses, due to their isolation or exclusion from their peers and communities. They may also experience lower self-esteem and confidence, due to their lack of autonomy and empowerment. They may also face challenges in maintaining or adjusting to their marital relationship, such as communication, intimacy, fidelity, or domestic violence.
Cultural changes: Teenage marriage also influences the culture and society of the Philippines in various ways. Teenage marriage may challenge or reinforce the existing cultural norms and values regarding marriage and sexuality. For example, some teenagers may marry early to conform to the traditional expectations of their family or religion, while others may marry early to defy the conservative views of their society. Teenage marriage may also create new cultural practices or expressions, such as rituals, ceremonies, symbols, or songs.
How can teenage marriage be prevented or addressed in the Philippines?
Teenage marriage is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to prevent or address it in the Philippines. Some of the possible strategies are:
Improving access to education: Education is a key factor in preventing or reducing teenage marriage, as it empowers both girls and boys with knowledge, skills, and opportunities. Providing free and quality education for all children and adolescents, especially those from poor and marginalized groups, is essential. Providing alternative learning systems or flexible schedules for those who are already married or pregnant is also important. Providing life skills education or sexuality education that covers topics such as human rights, gender equality, reproductive health, family planning, consent, and communication is also beneficial.
Enhancing access to health services: Health services are also vital in preventing or addressing teenage marriage, as they protect both girls and boys from health risks and complications. Providing affordable and accessible health services for all adolescents, especially those who are married or pregnant, is crucial. Providing comprehensive reproductive health services that include counseling, testing, treatment, contraception, safe abortion, antenatal care, delivery care, postnatal care, and immunization is also necessary. Providing mental health services that address issues such as stress, depression, substance abuse, and violence is also helpful.
Empowering girls and boys: Empowerment is also a key factor in preventing or reducing teenage marriage
as it enables both girls and boys to make informed and autonomous decisions about their lives and futures. Providing opportunities for both girls and boys to participate in social, economic, and political activities, such as sports, arts, clubs, groups, or movements, is essential. Providing support and mentorship for both girls and boys to pursue their dreams and aspirations, such as scholarships, grants, internships, or jobs, is also important. Providing legal and human rights protection for both girls and boys to prevent or escape from forced or early marriage, such as laws, policies, programs, or services, is also necessary.
Engaging families and communities: Families and communities are also influential in preventing or addressing teenage marriage, as they shape the norms and values of both girls and boys. Providing education and awareness for parents and relatives on the causes and effects of teenage marriage, and the benefits of delaying marriage and childbearing, is essential. Providing counseling and mediation for families and relatives who are involved or affected by teenage marriage, such as conflict resolution, reconciliation, or support groups, is also important. Providing incentives and rewards for families and relatives who support or encourage their children to stay in school or pursue their careers, such as cash transfers, vouchers, or recognition, is also beneficial.
Collaborating with stakeholders: Stakeholders are also important in preventing or addressing teenage marriage, as they have the resources and expertise to implement effective interventions. Collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, religious institutions, media outlets, academic institutions, private sector entities, and international organizations is crucial. Coordinating and aligning the policies and programs of different stakeholders to ensure coherence and consistency is also essential. Monitoring and evaluating the impact and outcomes of different interventions to ensure accountability and improvement is also necessary.
Conclusion
Teenage marriage is a prevalent and complex issue in the Philippines that affects the culture and society of the country in various ways. It is influenced by many factors, such as poverty, lack of education, gender norms, family pressure, religion, and romantic love. It also has significant effects, such as health risks, educational outcomes, economic consequences, social implications, and cultural changes. To prevent or address teenage marriage in the Philippines, a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed that involves improving access to education and health services, empowering girls and boys, engaging families and communities, and collaborating with stakeholders. By doing so, the Philippines can ensure that its young people have the opportunity to enjoy their rights and fulfill their potential. b99f773239