Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Journal of Social Sciences

Imposing Structural Will on Agency in the Phenomenon of Early Marriage: A Case Study of Iranshahr

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scientific-Research

Authors

Amin Akbari 1
Shahin Moeini 2

1 Assistant Professor. Department of Sociology. Payame Noor University. Iran

2 M. A. in Sociology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/social.2026.97174.1722
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors contributing to early marriage and its consequences among child brides in Iranshahr. The study was designed as applied research using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants included 27 child brides selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews until semantic saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using interpretive phenomenological analysis, involving the extraction of meaning units, systematic coding, the development of sub-themes and overarching themes, and the interpretation of participants’ lived experiences. To ensure rigor and trustworthiness, Lincoln and Guba’s criteria—credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability—were applied. Findings indicated that early marriage in Iranshahr is a multifactorial and context-dependent phenomenon shaped by the interaction of economic, social, and cultural conditions. The main consequences include restricted access to education, reduced age-appropriate developmental opportunities, and the imposition of premature adult roles. The results further suggest that early marriage significantly affects girls’ educational, personal, and social development trajectories. Overall, addressing this phenomenon requires multi-level interventions at individual, family, community, and policy levels.

Keywords

"
early marriage"
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis"
Lived Experience"
Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors"
,"
Consequences of Early marriage"
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Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Journal of Social Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 June 2026

  • Receive Date 25 December 2025
  • Revise Date 19 May 2026
  • Accept Date 18 June 2026
  • First Publish Date 18 June 2026
  • Publish Date 18 June 2026

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