Experiences of Child Marriage Among Women and Men in Turkey

Every marriage before the age of 18, regardless of gender, is considered a human rights violation, a public health problem, and a social risk. The present qualitative study aims to understand and reveal the child marriage experiences of both women and men with respect to gender. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten male and ten female participants, aged between 29 and 64, who had child marriages and lived in different regions of Turkey. As a result of the thematic analysis, four main themes were derived: "unlived childhood", "reflections on marriage", "reflections on the relationship with the child" and "health problems". The theme "unlived childhood" includes sub-themes that examine the childhood experiences of the participants; "reflections on marriage" spousal relations and marital life; "reflections on relationship with children" participants' upbringing and relationship with their children; and "health questions" reproductive health and mental health. As a result, it was seen that the participants experienced gender-specific differences along with an unlived childhood and a suspended adulthood. While particular responsibilities and health problems stood out for female participants, male participants carried the responsibilities of being a father and the pillar of the household during their childhood. The study investigates both male and female participants' experiences of child marriage.The participants who married during childhood experienced an unlived childhood and a suspended adulthood.Child marriage was revealed to have significant effects on the adulthood of the participants.