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Research finds that crime drives early marriage of girls in India

In a recent WIDER Working Paper, Sudipa Sarkar finds that the perceived risk of crime against unmarried girls in Indian neighbourhoods significantly increases the chances of early marriage for adolescent girls. Dr. Sarkar explains that parents, especially in northern India and those that practice purdah — the practice of screening women from men —  are more likely to arrange the marriage of their daughters before they reach the legal age of marriage if they perceive a higher risk of crimes against women in their locality.

According to Dr. Sarkar's research, undertaken as a part of the 'Women's work — Routes to economic and social empowerment' project, this effect is driven by the perceived risk that a daughter's pre-marital chastity is at a greater risk. In response to this fear, parents may arrange the marriage of their daughters early. In her analysis, it is partly the stigma against women who are victims of crime that likely drives this phenomenon.

The paper's main findings were picked up and published in a recent article for Mint online here.