Child and adolescent marriage in Brazil: executive summary

This report begins with descriptions of the qualitative and quantitative methodology, field sites, and research participant in the chapter entitled, “Methodology.” Thereafter, the “Research Findings” chapter presents findings according to theme. First, types of marriages and unions, life phases (i.e., girlhood and adulthood), and perceptions of decisions and behaviors in those stages are discussed.The main section includes the primary motivations, drivers, and initiating factors to marry, including major motivations that lead to marriage, and the additional factors of religion, media, and the context of urban insecurity.

The next section addresses findings primarily from the qualitative research with married men and girls. It analyzes changes in aspirations and expectations once in union, unequal gender roles in marriage, and restrictions on married girls’ mobility. It also discusses consequences related to intimate partner violence, education, and health. In addition, themes that emerge around fathers and child marriage are identified, followed by sections on separation and divorce, legislation and services, and “deviance” or resistance against child and adolescent marriage norms. The report concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for policy, programming, and research.