Investigating Early-Married Women’s Perceived Agency and Marital Quality in Rural Indonesia

Early marriage remains a persistent issue in Indonesia, with significant implications for women’s well-being and societal dynamics. Despite efforts to reduce its prevalence, challenges persist due to the intersection of social, cultural, and economic factors. This study aimed to examine the phenomenon of early marriage through the lens of women’s agency, focusing on their subjective experiences and perspectives within marital unions. Utilizing an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), individual interviews were conducted with 17 early-married women in rural Indonesia to explore their lived experiences. Results highlighted early-married women’s definitions of happiness within marriage, their perceptions of agency and empowerment in marital relationships, and the role of agency in conforming to or resisting early marriage practices. The study provided insights into the complexities of early marriages in Indonesia and underscored the importance of understanding women’s agency in shaping marital outcomes and quality within a collectivist culture.