'Marriage is Going to Fix It': Indigenous Women's Experiences with Early Childbearing, Early Marriage and Intimate Partner Violence. (27th September 2021) - McKinley, Catherine E
Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV), early childbearing (ECB) and early marriage (EM) are interconnected to the historical oppression of patriarchal colonialism imposed upon Indigenous peoples throughout the world by colonising nations, such as the UK. The artefacts of colonial oppression persist in both colonising nations and those that have been colonised through social norms of patriarchal oppression perpetuated upon women with far-reaching consequences. Indigenous women of the US experience higher rates of IPV, ECB and EM than any other ethnic group—which pose risks to women's physical, psychological, socioeconomic and educational status. The purpose of this study is to explore Indigenous women's experiences with ECB and EM through a critical ethnography with two US tribes. Through reconstructive analysis the following themes emerged: (i) ECB as a Precursor to Marriage; (ii) Unequal and Overburdened Marriages; (iii) ECB, EM and IPV; and (iv) Continued Harmful Effects of Multiple Abusive Relationships. Indigenous women's experiences of ECB and EM are connected to patriarchal historical oppression that systematically dehumanises and oppresses Indigenous women, who were once treated with respect and esteem. Decolonisation and re-visualisation to promote the status of women and girls are needed to offset women's constrained wellness, socio-political status and safety. Abstract : The imposition of Western norms and patriarchal values on Indigenous peoples throughout the world by colonising nations has undermined treatment and respect for women. Although the UK has been a primary coloniser of Indigenous peoples and has among the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy, scant research explores issues related to intimate partner violence (IPV), early childbearing (ECB) and early marriage (EM). Even if the forms of European colonisation have changed, the negative legacy of patriarchal colonial oppression continues to persist through the devaluation and dehumanisation imposed upon women and girls. Even if active or overt colonisation has ended, all nations carry with them the social norms of patriarchal oppression that contribute to greater ECB, EM and IPV among marginalised women based on socioeconomic class, race and other dimensions of diversity. Indigenous women of the US experience higher rates of IPV, ECB and EM than any other ethnic group, which are connected to profound consequences. Results indicate that ECB was related to EM, Indigenous women experienced unequal and overburdened relationships within EM and both ECB and EM contributed to IPV across time. Decolonisation is needed to promote women's wellness, socio-political status and safety.