“I Was Just Told I’m Getting Married Next Week”: Uncovering the Coercive Dynamics of Early Marriage Among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Early marriage remains widespread among refugees populations globally, despite legal bans and prevention efforts. This study explored the coercive dynamics influencing such practices through 40 in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders in the Kutupalong refugee camp. Using an inductive, intersectional approach, five key themes emerged, including community control over marriage decisions, age manipulation, dowry-related coercion, and emotional consequences for girls. Participants described pressures driven by social shame, economic hardship, gender norms, and digital surveillance. Findings highlight how early marriage is often concealed and sustained by structural forces, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive, rights-based strategies that engage communities and empower girls.
Language: English
Topic: Marriage and Family Dynamics
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: University of Melbourne
OpenAlex ID: W7223069916