Declining positive trend observed in child marriage, early motherhood in Andhra and Telangana: Study

Hyderabad: A declining trend has been observed in child marriage and early motherhood in Andhra and Telangana. According to findings from the Young Lives longitudinal study Round 7 of 2023-24, there has been a positive trend in the reduction of both child marriages and early motherhood in India.

The Young Lives study follows 3,000 children (now adults) across 21 sentinel sites in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, tracking two cohorts: a Younger Cohort born in 2001-02 (initially aged 1 year when the study began in 2002) and an Older Cohort born in 1994-95 (initially aged 8 years).

Key findings show significant improvements between generations. Child marriage rates (marriages before legal age) decreased from 25 per cent among the Older Cohort to 13 per cent among the Younger Cohort born seven years later.

Early motherhood rates declined from 27 per cent to 18 per cent between cohorts. Child marriage and motherhood by age 19 negatively impact both educational attainment and employment opportunities.

Notably, the transition from education to labor market participation is occurring later for the Younger Cohort compared to the Older Cohort. Young Lives is a comprehensive longitudinal study examining poverty and inequality by following 12,000 children into adulthood across four countries: Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. The project began in 2002, is led by Oxford University, and receives core funding from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Preliminary findings from Young Lives longitudinal study Round 7, conducted in 2023–24 were released recently. These findings provide insights into the lives of the Younger Cohort (aged 22) and the Older Cohort (aged 29) in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These findings cover key aspects of education, health, well-being, work, and family life.

Other findings include the burden of unpaid care work disproportionately affects women, limiting their labour market participation with more than a third of Younger Cohort women 37 per cent not being in employment, education or training compared to only 7 per cent men. Overall, most young people were found working without a written contract and reported not being satisfied with their work.

Notably higher educational attainment rates have notably improved, with 58 per cent men and 53 per cent women completing higher education amongst Younger Cohort aged 22 in 2023, up from 50 per cent men and 38 per cent women amongst Older Cohort in 2016.

The gender gap in secondary education completion has closed by age 22. However, women are less likely to enrol in university. Interestingly internet access has expanded, with usage among the Younger Cohort rising from 14 per cent at age 15 to 89 per cent at age 22. Despite increased schooling, reading comprehension remains a concern, highlighting gaps in education quality.

“Round 7 factsheets show up some really interesting findings related to two cohorts born seven years apart. There is clear indication of progress made in the field of higher education enrolment though gender gaps still exist in enrolment into higher education in favour of men. While incidence of underweight has decreased over time amongst both the cohorts, we observe that overweight/ obesity is on the rise. The fact the women are showing higher levels of anxiety and depression, vis-à-vis men at age 22, is also an area of concern. It is heartening to note that child marriages and early motherhood by age 19 have decreased significantly amongst YC compared to OC. It is clear from the evidence that early inequality such as household wealth has long term effects on labour and educational outcomes, we hope the data will help draw attention to vulnerable populations that need policy attention,” said Young Lives India, Country Director, Dr Renu Singh.