Local crime and early marriage: Evidence from India

This paper analyses whether living in a locality with high crime against women affects the probability of early marriage—that is, marriage before legal age girls. We hypothesize that parents who perceive themselves to live high-crime would marry their daughters off at an protect chastity from any sexual violence. However, there be no similar effect perceived on sons. Using nationally representative longitudinal data set and tackling potential endogeneity local rates, we find evidence support our hypothesis. The results show significantly increases likelihood girls, while is such boys comparable group. also gender-neutral crimes (such as theft robbery) Moreover, relationship holds only conservative households where purdah system practised, northern region India, patriarchal culture gender norms are stronger than southern region. These findings relevant under-age has negative consequences for well-being terms health, education, post-marital agency, future economic participation.