The Causes And Consequences Of Teenage Marriage In The Philippines

In this essay, I will discuss the causes and consequences of teenage marriage in the Philippines, based on the existing literature and data. I will also suggest some possible solutions to address this issue and improve the well-being of young Filipino couples and their children.

The Causes and Consequences of Teenage Marriage in the Philippines

Causes of Teenage Marriage in the Philippines

One of the main causes of teenage marriage in the Philippines is the cultural norm that values early marriage and childbearing. According to Gultiano, Filipino culture considers marriage as a sacred union or bond between two people who made a promise to one another to share and nourish their lives together, regardless of whatever situation they may be in. Love is the key ingredient in making a marriage grow and thrive throughout the years. However, this romantic ideal may also lead some adolescents to rush into marriage without considering the long-term consequences.

Another cause of teenage marriage in the Philippines is poverty. Many families in rural areas and urban slums face economic hardships and lack of opportunities. As a result, some parents may encourage or force their daughters to marry early as a way of reducing their financial burden or securing their future. Some girls may also see marriage as an escape from poverty or a chance to improve their social status. However, poverty may also limit their access to education, health care, contraception, and legal protection, which may increase their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

A third cause of teenage marriage in the Philippines is lack of education. According to the Internet Public Library, the Philippines has one of the lowest literacy rates in Asia, with only 74% of adults able to read and write. Moreover, many children drop out of school due to poverty, pregnancy, or early marriage. Lack of education may affect the adolescents awareness of their rights, options, and risks. It may also limit their ability to acquire skills and knowledge that could help them find better jobs and income sources.

A fourth cause of teenage marriage in the Philippines is pregnancy. According to Gultiano, pregnancy is often a trigger or a consequence of early marriage among Filipino adolescents. Many teenagers engage in premarital sex without using contraception or having adequate information about reproductive health. Some may also face pressure from their partners or families to have sex or get married after becoming pregnant. Pregnancy may also affect the adolescents decision to stay in school or pursue further education.

A fifth cause of teenage marriage in the Philippines is family pressure. According to United Hunters, some families may have strong influence over their childrens marital choices and timing. Some may arrange marriages for their daughters based on economic or social reasons. Some may also disapprove of their childrens romantic partners based on ethnicity, religion, or class. Family pressure may also stem from traditional values that expect children to obey their parents and respect their elders.

Consequences of Teenage Marriage in the Philippines

One of the main consequences of teenage marriage in the Philippines is lower educational attainment. According to Gultiano, teenage marriage is associated with lower levels of schooling for both men and women. This is because many young couples drop out of school or do not enroll in higher education due to financial constraints, domestic responsibilities, or social stigma. Lower educational attainment may affect their employability, income potential, and career prospects.

Another consequence of teenage marriage in the Philippines is higher fertility. According to Gultiano, teenage marriage is linked with higher rates of childbearing and larger family size for both men and women. This is because many young couples do not use contraception or have limited access to family planning services. Higher fertility may have negative impacts on the health and well-being of both mothers and children. It may also increase the demand for resources and services such as food, water, housing, health care, and education. 04f6b60f66