My Thoughts on Marriageable Age

First, I would like to say that legally classifying people based on age limits natural human rights, therefore resulting in the definition of a “person” and more specifically the definition of an “adult” being limited. Age should not be the single determinant in deciding someone’s maturity level or capabilities to handle situations that make arise during any situation.    

Out of the three laws that I have analyzed in this blog, I disagree the most with the minimum age set for marriage especially concerning a young women’s marriageable age. I am against the regulation of marriage because I feel like it limits the rights of people who want to express their love for one another. I do believe that it would be more effective for couples who are thinking about marriage to have more resources available to them provided by the United States’ government along with successfully completing required educational courses prior to obtaining a marriage license because age should not be the only qualifier for marriage. The necessary courses and available resources will assist young couples make a sound decision when dealing with the future of their relationship. People of all ages tend to rush into making decisions without realizing the consequences of such actions and decisions. By providing these courses and information, people will be more prepared and unable to rush into matrimony; therefore, reducing the rate of divorce, especially, for young couples. The reduction of the divorce rate will provide a stable environment for the children growing up in the households of married couples.

In countries where the marriageable age is much lower than the one set in the United States, young brides will lose out on their childhood and everything that comes with growing up. Adolescent brides also miss out on getting an education which impacts their lives later down the road. Fortunately, due to an increase in the advocation of women’s rights and children’s rights there has been a decrease in young women entering marriages. There has also been much work on changing the law by increasing the marriageable age in several countries around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRxn6g3T6R8

Clip of Jordanian's battles against teen marriage