Shotgun Weddings: Trends in the Sociopathology of Marriage

Abstract

The study was concerned with secular trends in forced marriages in N.S.W. The definition of forced marriage was first nuptial birth occurring within six months of the wedding. The typical demographic profile of such marriages portends a "risk" of marital breakdown and child abuse. Formal analysis of the time series showed upward trends in the proportions of brides "at risk" in the 16-17 age groups, and in the proportions of children "at risk" born to brides in the 16 to 22 age range. The findings were discussed critically, and some prophylactic and remedial social measures suggested.

Statutory Child Welfare as a Social Indicator: NSW Trends 1959–1976

“…Except for an upward trend in the rates of [16][17] year old males, no systematic changes were found to have occurred during the period under study. Going back to the original data, it is of interest to note that the rates of the [16][17] year old males comprise mainly complaints of uncontrollable, absconding from custody, breach of probation condition, and no fixed place of abode. An interesting facet of the table are the mean rates of the sexes and the age groups.…”

Readers' Comment

“…2 Finally, those concerned in the above context with the emotional welfare of childless couples wanting to adopt will be reassured by the fact that a substantial proportion of such couples has now alternative prospects for parenthood which appear to be even preferable to adoption. 3 J. KRAUS…”

Ex-Nuptial Births in New South Wales: Twenty Two Year Trends

“…It is of interest to note that the rates of marriages precipitated by pregnancy have been increasing, among younger females (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) in N.S.W., contemporaneously with ex-nuptial birth rates (Kraus, 1977).…”

“…The educational and attitudinal needs have a connotation for this group as well, because such marriages are known to be at 'risk', from the points of view of stability and the welfare of their offsprings (Kraus, 1977).…”