The Fertility in Child Marriage Families: In-Depth Investigation in Indonesia

Abstract

Fertility is a primary determinant of population growth rate. Theoretically, child marriage families have a higher chance of fertility. Accordingly, this study aims to comprehend the interpretation of fertility among the family from child marriage. The interpretation of fertility was observed in depth using phenomenology (causal motives) through data collection and analysis. The research participants were married women who had children or were 16 years old or younger and did not yet have a child. The analysis results indicate that child marriage families interpret fertility as a burden, marriage reinforcement, and investment. The families from child marriage are motivated to have fewer children and space them out in terms of age. It is important to note that no child-free doctrine was discovered, as it goes against Islamic principles. Additionally, having children is believed to improve marital relations within the child marriage community on Bawean Island. Children are often viewed as an economic investment and a guarantee for future parental care. Child marriage on Bawean Island did not have a discernible impact on the population growth rate.