NEW ARTICLE: Larissa Cristina Margarido, a PhD candidate at FGV São Paulo Law School, Brazil, and former guest researcher at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism (DIPA), has authored an intriguing study that examines the realities of child marriage in Brazil, with an emphasis on the marginalization of girls and their displays of agency. Her article, titled “Young Brazilian Wives: Child Marriage, Girls’ Marginalisation, and Agency,” has been published in the acclaimed journal Revista Direito GV.
This study looks into how gender, structural inequality, and child marriage interact in Brazil. By using socio-legal methodologies, Margarido explores how child marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty and gender-based violence while showing how young spouses overcome these limitations to exercise personal agency.
Key Findings on Child Marriage and Girls’ Agency
The research draws on both national and international legal frameworks that address child marriage and includes interviews and case studies to provide an in-depth understanding of the issue. Margarido demonstrates that child marriage in Brazil disproportionately affects girls from marginalized communities, who often face systemic barriers to education, healthcare, and legal protections.
The study reveals that while child marriage is largely driven by structural factors like poverty, gender inequality, and social norms, it also involves personal and familial strategies aimed at survival and stability. Despite these challenges, many young wives find ways to exercise agency, often in unexpected and subtle ways, such as negotiating family roles, seeking educational opportunities, or advocating for their children.
Implications for Policy and Advocacy
Margarido’s work underscores the importance of addressing the structural conditions that sustain child marriage. She argues for a multi-faceted approach, combining legal reforms, educational programs, and community-based interventions to protect girls’ rights and enhance their opportunities. Additionally, the study highlights the need to balance protective measures with a recognition of young girls’ voices and choices, ensuring that interventions are empowering rather than punitive.
Overall, the article emphasizes the complex relationship between vulnerability and agency in the lives of young Brazilian wives, offering critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to end child marriage and promote gender equality.
The article is open access and can be read via this link.