| dc.description.abstract | Child marriage, though internationally recognized as a human rights violation, is a common culture norm in many traditional societies around the world. As a norm, it is therefore difficult to change due to its longstanding tradition and seemingly inherent nature. This study seeks to emphasize those change agents who work to end such harmful culture norms. The primary research question thus asks what effect local activists have on changing dominant culture norms in a given society. In order to understand this effect, I emphasize the local activist by investigating three factors: who they are, what norms they deem warrant change, and how they use the help of TANs and concerned NGOs to achieve their mission. The case study for this research incorporates these three factors by studying how Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi served as the initiating local actor in banning child marriage in her district alongside the help of TANs and NGOs. Through interviewing and corresponding with various local, state, and international actors and organizations across Africa, I conclude my study with a series of hypotheses aimed towards understanding how the initiating local activist effectively brings about lasting norm change. | |
