Social Injustice: The Dilemma of Family Resilience in Early Marriage to Supporting Regenerative Development

Abstract

This research aimed to thoroughly explore the problem of social injustice in the context of early marriage. It positioned the subject matter as a significant dilemma that undermines family resilience and hinders the pursuit of equitable regenerative development. Accordingly, the objectives of the investigation include analyzing how social injustice manifests in the practice of early marriage and how this practice serves as an obstacle to equitable regenerative development. In order to achieve the stated objective, the investigation was conducted using a normative approach. The obtained results showed that social injustice, in the context of early marriage, significantly disrupted family resilience, thereby presenting a substantial challenge to the realization of regenerative development. Based on the observations made, early marriage, which was found to be predominantly driven by socio-economic pressures, cultural norms, and lack of education, weakened family resilience. As a result, the respective capabilities of families to contribute to regenerative development were substantially diminished.

INTRODUCTION

Marriage is a significant and sacred milestone in the human lifecycle. This milestone is not merely a personal commitment between two individuals, but a social institution comprising multiple stakeholders, including families and the broader community, hence incorporating far more than just the private concerns of the bride and groom.[1] As reported in previous research, marriage represents a noble covenant that unites a man and a woman, both physically and spiritually, in accordance with religious teachings to establish a family. In Islamic thought, marriage is regarded as a lawful and essential event, which is aimed at safeguarding human continuity and social stability.[2]

Generally, marriage is recognized as a fundamental human inclination, which is centered on the need for companionship and the desire to ensure generational continuity. However, many individuals, particularly in certain communities, tend to marry at a young age, and this is often a result of emphasizing the perceived advantages of marriage while neglecting its potential associated challenges. According to a previous investigation, it is very important to recognize the importance of psychological readiness, particularly considering the reality that a lack of emotional maturity can severely disrupt family harmony.[3]

In Indonesia, early marriage remains prevalent, especially in rural regions where underage girls are disproportionately affected. Several interrelated factors have been observed to significantly contribute to this ongoing issue. First, poverty often compels families to deprioritize education, pushing children, especially girls, into early unions. Second, entrenched gender stereotypes suggest that girls do not require the same level of formal education as boys, as the primary role of the demographic is presumed to be that of housewives. Third, systemic issues such as the complicity of corrupt civil registry or KUA officials further enable the occurrence of early marriages.[4] Supporting this view, Pratiwi identified factors such as economic hardship, limited access to education, and parental influence as key drivers behind the widespread practice of early marriage in rural communities.[5]

Early marriage frequently occurs under the guise of poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality. Its consequences, which are physical, social, psychological, and economic, have been found to be particularly severe for girls, who often lack access to even primary or secondary education and are disproportionately subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual violence.[6] Despite being promoted as a pathway to social and financial security, early marriage often leads to the erosion of women's economic, human, and reproductive rights. Moreover, this systematic neglect constitutes a form of DV that, under the law, may be subject to criminal penalties. As reported in a prior exploration, girls married at a young age were burdened with profound suffering, losing not only respective autonomy but also the opportunity to pursue self-selected lives.[7]

Regardless of the widespread practice of early marriage, the framework of regenerative development shows how early marriage poses a clear contradiction to the very principles it seeks to uphold. Regenerative development emphasizes the revitalization of human and communal potential, but early marriage disrupts this process. This is evidenced by the fact that the act typically leads to school dropouts, deteriorating health, and entrenched poverty, all of which have been observed to be factors inhibiting the formation of a resilient and flourishing society.[8] The broader aim of regenerative development is to enhance well-being and unleash the full potential of interconnected systems through mutual growth and cooperation.[9] In the Indonesian legal context, marriage is governed by Law No. 1 of 1974, which was subsequently revised by Law No. 16 of 2019. These amendments reflect a significant development in the legal framework of the nation. As stipulated in Article 7, marriage is legally permissible only when both parties are at least 19 years old. However, under certain urgent circumstances, parents may request a judicial dispensation to allow a marriage below this age, provided that compelling evidence supports the request.[10]

Various previous research on early marriage has explored its underlying causes and far-reaching impacts. For example, factors contributing to early marriage have been analyzed by Yunita & Az’zahra,[11] Endang Pastini,[12] Widyasari Ayuwardany and Achmad Kautsar.[13] Meanwhile, the consequences of early marriage have been thoroughly examined by Yusma Natasya Perdana et al.,[14] Rudolf JohanesHasoloan & Azril Rozzaqi,[3] Ade Setiawan et al.,[15] Shella Oetharry Gunawan & Syamsul Bahri,[16] Teddy Pascha S. Depari et al.,[17] Noibe Halawa & Famahato Lase,[18] and Haya Al-Masalha & Mousa Alkhateeb.[19]

Early marriage is undeniably a complex phenomenon that significantly hinders access to social justice, particularly through its weakening effect on family resilience. This type of marriage has been observed to remain a pressing issue across different research, not only because of the persistent patterns of social injustice it entails, but also due to its detrimental consequences on the well-being of families. In order to effectively enhance family resilience in the aftermath of early marriage, a comprehensive and multidimensional strategy is required. This strategy must be able to address physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities holistically. Therefore, this research aimed to achieve two primary objectives, first, to analyze how social injustice manifests in early marriage, and second, to examine how early marriage stands as a barrier to equitable regenerative development.

The research adopts a normative or doctrinal approach, focusing on identifying the patterns of social injustice associated with early marriage, particularly those related to limited educational access, increased health risks, gender-based violence, and economic disenfranchisement. Generally, this approach relies heavily on literature review, comprising scholarly journals, statutory regulations, and previous empirical research.[20] As is typical in doctrinal research, the literature is scrutinized through a prescriptive and qualitative lens with the aim of drawing normative conclusions based on legal and academic discourse.

METHOD

The research adopts a doctrinal approach, focusing on identifying the patterns of social injustice associated with early marriage, particularly those related to limited educational access, increased health risks, gender-based violence, and economic disenfranchisement. Generally, this approach relies heavily on literature review, comprising scholarly journals, statutory regulations, and previous empirical research. As is typical in doctrinal research, the literature is scrutinized through a prescriptive and qualitative lens with the aim of drawing normative conclusions based on legal and academic discourse.[21]

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Social Injustice in Early Marriage

Various strategies have been adopted by different communities to fulfill respective basic needs, including access to food and drink essential for survival and daily activities. For a household to achieve food security, several criteria must be met. These include adequate food availability, the fulfillment of nutritional requirements, and effective food distribution. The outlined conditions are typically assessed through food security indicators that reflect the sufficiency of food supply, rational consumption patterns, and equitable distribution.[22]

Economic and social factors are frequently cited as the major causes of early marriage. Couples who marry at a young age often struggle to meet respective fundamental needs, such as clothing, food, and shelter. Within this context, family resilience, particularly in the economic domain, tends to be fragile. This fragility manifests in limited income and reduced capacity to fulfill daily necessities.[23]

According to findings by Lalu Kesa Rahmatullah et al., only 29.14% of couples who entered into early marriages showed sufficient socio-economic independence, suggesting relative financial stability. A slightly higher proportion, 34.67%, was categorized as having a good level of socio-economic independence. However, the majority, 36.19%, were found to possess low socio-economic independence. These figures invariably signified that a significant portion of early-married couples faced substantial economic vulnerability.[24]

The findings discussed above are in line with the research conducted by Amini et al., which showed how families experiencing economic hardship, particularly in several Asian countries, often continue living with respective parents due to the inability to afford rent or own a house. Moreover, the research reflects that parents often serve as a source of emotional support when young couples encounter difficulties.[22]

Stability and well-being in daily life are closely related to the economic strength of a family. Essentially, financial resilience plays a very significant role in addressing various urgent needs, including healthcare, housing, and entire quality of life. Even families with substantial resources are not immune to unexpected financial challenges. As such, adequate financial reserves can enable families to better navigate emergencies such as job loss, high medical expenses, or sudden shifts in economic conditions. According to previous research, when a family possesses strong financial resilience, the family become more capable of maintaining stability and well-being despite the presence of previously outlined disruptions.[25]

Impact on access to education

Every individual, including children, possesses the inherent right to care and protection in accordance with fundamental human rights principles. Accordingly, every nation, under global legal frameworks, is obligated to uphold as well as ensure the protection of its citizens, and any violations of these rights must be opposed and prevented. While developed countries have made significant strides in enforcing these protections, challenges and shortcomings persist in many developing regions.[26]

Among the most fundamental of these is the right to education. Essentially, education plays a very significant role in enhancing the economic, social, and cultural well-being of individuals and communities. It serves as a powerful tool to reduce social in equality and promote justice. As reported in a prior investigation, achieving reduced social inequality and increased communal justice requires equitable access to education.[27]

Education is essential for transforming human potential into human capital and enhancing the entire human quality, particularly within the social, spiritual, intellectual, and professional aspects. However, a low level of formal education can hinder critical thinking and moral judgment, leaving individuals unable to distinguish between right and wrong. High level of education and sufficient knowledge can help reduce the rate of early marriage but low level of education will result in the disconnection from relevant information that should be received in the regard.[28]

Early marriage often compels girls to discontinue formal education, as the demographic become burdened with household responsibilities and marital obligations. This prevents them from acquiring the knowledge and life skills that would enable them to become productive members of the household and society. This issue has significant negative impacts on the demographic, as it disrupts the development of social skills and building of supportive social networks with respective peers and leads to isolation at home.[29] Essentially, children who experience early marriage will miss out on opportunities to enjoy higher formal education, which has a direct impact on their level of knowledge and access to information.

The results of this research show that Indonesian children who engage in early marriage have greater tendency to drop out of school. This is evidenced by the statistics released in 2020, which showed how 25% of women aged 20–24 who married before the age of 18 only completed primary education, 34% only completed elementary school, and 3% only completed high school. Furthermore, 25% of the demographic did not receive any education at all or only received preschool education. To further support this observation, UNICEF research showed that girls who married before 18 possessed four times less tendency to complete respective education compared to peers who got married after 18.[30] These findings invariably show that early marriage deprives children of respective fundamental rights to quality education and reduces the demographic’s access to decent job opportunities, both of which are essential for building a dignified and prosperous future. Invariably, the inability to complete education and develop employable skills can perpetuate cycles of poverty, hindering long-term well-being and social mobility.

Impact on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (DV) is a widespread phenomenon affecting nearly all countries globally. According to, one in three women reports experiencing physical or sexual violence from their husbands.[31] While DV typically refers to intimate partner violence, most commonly between man and woman partners, it can also extend to violence against children, parents, or siblings.[32]

Early marriage can lead to DV due to a lack of understanding ofhealthy relationships and family responsibilities, hence, the form of union has a negative impact on the sustainability of household life. Both individuals who engage in early marriage and respective family members will face several challenges as a result of the phenomenon. Psychologically, early marriage can negatively impact the emotional development and behavior of young couples. This development is particularly important because if the emotional condition of a couple is unstable, tensions may easily arise, which would potentially lead to conflict, domestic abuse, and even divorce.[33]

Based on observations, the majority of parents in the Bedaro community do not express regret over marrying off respective children at an early age. However, the parents often show awareness that the domestic lives of respective children tend to be filled with conflict and frequent quarrels over trivial matters, which can eventually lead to divorce. Various research have reported that early marriage often leads to chaotic household environments, including unclean living conditions, regular disputes, sleeping in separate beds, and even divorce. Typically, DV can arise from immature attitudes and increased emotional sensitivity resulting from a lack of emotional stability and a tendency to prioritize personal gratification.

According to a previous investigation, approximately 44% of girls who engage in early marriage experience DV, with 56% enduring the situation at a high frequency.[34] From the perspective of Islamic law, DV is a serious violation of the fundamental values of Islam, which include justice, compassion, humanity, and the welfare of others. Accordingly, measures to prevent and address this form of violence must be in line with the core principles outlined and emphasize the protection as well as the well-being of all family members.[35]

Based on observations, there are four common forms of violence often found in households affected by early marriage. These include physical, sexual, economic, and psychological violence. Other investigations have reported that wives frequently experience abuse from husbands, often in the form of psychological isolation, insults, and overwhelming burdens of responsibility that lead to further violence and discord. In many of these cases, men tend to resort to physical violence, largely due to an inability to manage inherent respective emotions.[36]

Early Marriage: An Obstacle to Equitable Regenerative Development

The concept of regenerative development is philosophically centered and has long been reflected in the cultural practices of various communities around the world, such as the “good life” philosophies embraced by the Maori and Quechua peoples.[37] As stated in a prior exploration, this concept is considered a very important response to the limitations of the sustainable development paradigm, which often fails to effectively balance the competing demands of economic growth, ecological boundaries, and social justice.[38]

Within this framework, regeneration goes beyond the concept of sustainability. It does not merely aim to preserve current resources for future generations but also emphasizes actively restoring and renewing both natural systems and human communities to ensure that future generations inherit even greater opportunities than those available today.[39] The long-term prosperity and endurance of communities depend on the abilities of the inhabitants to evolve toward regenerative models that adopt a more holistic and interconnected worldview.[40]

Early marriage invariably presents a substantial obstacle to regenerative development by eroding the social capital and human resources required to support the integrated revitalization of both communities and ecosystems. According to previous research, girls who engage in early marriage often face mental health challenges, restricted access to education, and increased economic dependence, all of which are factors capable of significantly limiting the potential of the demographic to contribute meaningfully to community advancement and social resilience.[41] For instance, many child brides endure depression and DV, both of which significantly undermine respective well-being and curtail engagement in social and civic life.

Early marriage traps individuals and families in poverty and poorhealth, and can undermine the social equity as well as economic vitalitythat regenerative development seeks to restore and enhance. Generally,poverty and inequality reduce the capacity of communities to adapt andregenerate in the face of environmental and social challenges.[42] Based on observations, early marriage increases the probability ofintergenerational poverty due to limited education and economicopportunities, as well as reinforces social injustice and genderinequality. This hinders the formation of inclusive and equitablecommunities, which are the goals of regenerative development.[43] Furthermore, early marriage increases the risk of developmental delaysin children born to young mothers, which can have long-term impacts oncommunity health and resilience. Regenerative development relies onhealthy and thriving future generations to sustain systemic renewal.[44]

According to Guimarães et al., the outlined factors weakened theability of individuals and communities to engage in regenerativepractices, which demand knowledge, empowerment, and social cohesion.[42] Regenerative development calls for systemic, context-specificstrategies that not only restore but also improve socio-ecologicalsystems. Within this context, addressing early marriage in tandem withthe promotion of gender equality and social justice is essential. Endingearly marriage curbs gender-based violence and systemic inequities, bothof which are very important considerations to cultivating just,inclusive, and regenerative communities.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, social injustice in the context of early marriage presented a significant threat to family resilience and directly impacted the broader pursuit of regenerative development. Early marriage, which was observed to be often driven by socio-economic pressures, cultural norms, and a lack of education, significantly weakened family resilience by exposing young couples to physical, economic, and social vulnerabilities that hindered respective abilitiesto thrive. These conditions compromised the ability of the observed demographic to build stable and adaptive families that are capable of contributing to regenerative development goals. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive efforts, including education, legal reform, economic empowerment, and cultural change to strengthen family resilience and promote regenerative development.