Forced marriage is a term used to refer to a union in which one or both parties are coerced into getting married. The spelling of the term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /fɔːst ˈmærɪdʒ/. It starts with the sound /f/ followed by the long vowel /ɔː/ and ends with a voiceless sound /t/. The second word, "marriage," is pronounced with stress on the first syllable /ˈmærɪdʒ/. The term carries significant negative connotations and is considered a form of human rights violation.
Forced marriage refers to a marriage that takes place without the free and full consent of one or both parties involved. It is a practice where one or both of the individuals entering into the marital union are coerced, threatened, or manipulated into giving their consent against their will.
In a forced marriage, the decision to marry is often made by other individuals, such as parents, family members, or community members, without the active participation or agreement of those being married. This can include young boys and girls, adolescents, or adults who are compelled to marry someone they do not wish to marry.
Forced marriage is a violation of human rights and often involves numerous forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It can result in individuals being isolated from their support networks, deprived of their freedom, and subject to control and domination.
Forced marriages can occur for various reasons, such as cultural, religious, or socio-economic factors. They can be driven by concepts of honor, control, or allegiance to family traditions or customs. However, it is essential to distinguish forced marriage from arranged marriages, as arranged marriages involve the consensual agreement of all parties involved, providing the individuals the freedom to choose whether or not to proceed with the marriage.
Efforts are being made worldwide to challenge and prevent forced marriages, as it is recognized as a form of gender inequality and a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to personal autonomy and freedom of choice.
The word "forced" originates from the Middle English term "fors", which means "compelled, urged by physical force". It can be traced back to the Old French word "force", which in turn stems from the Latin word "fortia", meaning "strong, powerful". The term "marriage" comes from the Old English word "mǣġencrǣft", which means "the state or condition of being married", derived from "mǣġen" (relative, kinsfolk) and "crǣft" (skill, power). Over time, "mǣġencrǣft" evolved into the modern English word "marriage". Therefore, the etymology of the term "forced marriage" refers to a marriage that is compelled or coerced without the consent or free will of one or both parties involved.