Persistent Child Marriage Practices in West Bengal: Understanding the Role of Household Wealth and Education

Despite social reforms in the nineteenth century and several legal and programmatic efforts since independence, child marriage remains a persistent issue in West Bengal, especially in rural areas. West Bengal is not the worst-performing state in gender indicators, highlighting a paradox of high child marriage prevalence. Against this backdrop, this study aims to unpack the persistence of child marriage practices among girls in West Bengal. Drawing on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), it tries to explain the extent to which household poverty and women’s educational attainment are related to child marriage using an intersectional lens. Findings suggest that child marriage is common among all social groups in rural areas. Its prevalence is persistently high among both Hindus and Muslims. Higher levels of educational attainment, particularly above the secondary level, are associated with substantially lower prevalence of child marriage across rural and urban settings. Household wealth (women from wealthier families) is associated with lower prevalence only in urban areas, not in rural areas. Further, child marriage remains significantly lower among women with above secondary level of education, irrespective of economic status. The study suggests the importance of addressing structural and normative constraints alongside promoting girls’ education. Policy responses should focus on transforming gender norms, expanding educational opportunities, enhancing girls’ agency, and creating employment pathways, with interventions tailored to specific social and spatial contexts in West Bengal.