Abstract
Target 5.3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to eradicate child marriage by 2030. However, international efforts have resulted in a slow and uneven decline in child marriage, a trend which is reflected in the Middle East. This chapter provides an overview of child marriage in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, highlighting the different understandings of marriage, childhood, adulthood, and how these are influenced by patriarchy, family honor, and religion. Popular theoretical approaches underpinning child marriage research such as social norms, feminist sociological, economic, sex role, and demographic transition theory are used to discuss the prevalence, causes, and consequences of child marriage in each country. Extant research highlights potential solutions and best practices, including legal reforms, education and health care provision, public awareness raising, and robust civil registration systems. A holistic approach involving all stakeholders, particularly government and the community, is recommended to produce meaningful, lasting impacts.
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Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Jule Voss, undergraduate student at the University of Virginia and Research Assistant with Action on Child, Early and Forced Marriage, for her invaluable help with this chapter.
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Watson, M. (2021). Temporary and Child Marriages: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Issues in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In: Hosseini, S.B. (eds) Temporary and Child Marriages in Iran and Afghanistan. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4469-3_1
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