Peer-reviewed article
Political role models and child marriage in India
Carolina Castilla ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines whether having women in local government positions in India reduces child marriage rates. Using data from a national survey and comparing areas before and after women's reserved seats were introduced in local councils, the researchers found that women in government decrease the likelihood of child marriage and delay marriage age. These delays have benefits for girls' education, health, and reproductive autonomy, with effects visible after 18 years of the policy.
Key points
- Women in local government positions reduce the likelihood of child marriage
- Women's political presence delays both the wedding and gauna (consummation) ceremony
- Delaying marriage improves girls' education outcomes
- Delayed marriage increases autonomy over fertility decisions
- Effects are measurable 18 years after policy implementation
Limitations
The study uses observational data and compares areas over time, which cannot definitively prove that women in government caused the reduction in child marriage rather than other changes occurring simultaneously. The research does not explain the specific mechanisms through which women leaders reduce child marriage rates.
Abstract
Abstract Drawing data from the most recent wave of the India Human Development Survey and the year of the first election with reserved seats for women, I estimate the effect of the Panchayati Raj institutions on child marriage. In India, marriage traditions dictate that two ceremonies take place: the wedding and the gauna ceremony. These differ in timing and purpose. After the wedding, the bride and groom do not necessarily live together. The gauna ceremony indicates the start of marital life and the consummation of the marriage. Results indicate that women in local government decrease the likelihood of child marriage, and delay the age at first marriage and the gauna ceremony. Delaying marriage has important policy implications for both the bride and her future children as it improves education, autonomy over fertility, and health. The results indicate that after 18 years of implementation, exposure to women in government can reduce the prevalence of child marriage.