The effects of early marriage on female human capital formation in Kyrgyzstan: a micro econometric analysis

Purpose This study aims to examine the correlation between women’s educational attainment and early marriage in Kyrgyzstan. It concentrates specifically on higher education, given the highest economic returns in this domain. In consideration of the significance of early marriage to the Kyrgyz economy, this analysis is grounded in human capital theory as its theoretical foundation. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing the United Nations Children's Fund's Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2023 dataset, the present study employs propensity score matching, thereby accounting for geographical, ethnic and socio-economic factors pertaining to women who entered matrimony between the ages of 15 and 19. The study’s primary objective is to identify strong associations, while concurrently acknowledging the inherent limitations of cross-sectional data. Multiple robustness checks have been implemented to assess the sensitivity of the obtained results. Findings A growing body of research has indicated that early marriage can serve as a significant impediment to women’s educational pursuits, particularly within the context of higher education. Women who enter matrimony between the ages of 15 and 19 have been found to demonstrate a 24% lower probability of accessing higher education in comparison to their counterparts who marry at later ages. Furthermore, early marital engagement has been associated with a minimal correlation with the completion of secondary education, underscoring the potential repercussions on educational attainment. A study revealed that living in rural areas was associated with a 24.2% increased likelihood of early marriage. Ethnic analysis results demonstrated that Uzbek households exhibited a higher propensity for early marriage, while Kyrgyz and Russian households displayed a lower propensity. Originality/value A review of the literature reveals that this study is the first to examine in detail the heterogeneous and relative relationship between early marriage and the formation of human capital among women. The findings demonstrate that early marriage, defined as unions contracted between the ages of 15 and 19, constitutes a significant obstacle to the formation of human capital. The robustness checks section discusses different modelling methods and different definitions of youth. The study reveals that early marriage and women’s human capital formation exhibit distinct patterns and outcomes specific to Central Asian societies, particularly in Kyrgyzstan. The study unpacks the manifestation of the tenets of universal human capital theory in the context of post-Soviet Central Asia, where the confluence of age-old customs and the Soviet educational legacy gives rise to unique expressions. A meticulous heterogeneity analysis identifies priority population groups for policy interventions aimed at enhancing educational access and promoting gender equality in transition economies.