Martha Nussbaum made a very interesting study on this: studying broadens one's awareness of one's own possibilities and of the world, it increases one's autonomy of judgement, which also becomes economic. If I can think I am autonomous, I can think I am free.
Educational opportunities can significantly impact the likelihood of females delaying marriage in societies where early marriage is common. Here are several ways in which education plays a role:
Empowerment and Independence: Education empowers women by providing them with knowledge, skills, and confidence. This empowerment often leads to a desire for personal and financial independence. When women are educated, they may prioritize building their careers or pursuing further studies before getting married, delaying marriage until they feel more secure in their abilities and resources.
Awareness of Alternatives: Education exposes individuals to a broader range of possibilities and alternatives. Women who are educated may be more aware of the potential negative consequences of early marriage, such as health risks, limited economic opportunities, and restricted personal development.
Delayed Parenthood: Education is often correlated with delayed parenthood. Women who pursue education may choose to delay marriage to focus on their studies and careers, consequently postponing childbirth.
Changing Societal Norms: Educated women can contribute to changing societal norms by challenging traditional views on early marriage. They may become advocates for delaying marriage and promoting the benefits of education for both personal and community development.
Increased Marriage Age: Education tends to be associated with later marriage. As women invest time and effort in their education, they may choose to postpone marriage until they achieve certain educational and career milestones.
Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: Education equips individuals with critical thinking and decision-making skills. Educated women may be more discerning in their choice of a life partner, leading them to delay marriage until they find a suitable match.
Financial Stability: Education often correlates with increased economic opportunities. Women who are financially stable due to their education may feel more secure about delaying marriage until they are better able to support themselves and potentially contribute to the family income.
Access to Reproductive Health Education: Education provides access to information, including reproductive health education. Educated women may be more informed about the consequences of early marriage on their health and may choose to delay marriage until they are ready for the responsibilities of family life.
In summary, educational opportunities empower women, increase their awareness of alternatives, and contribute to changing societal norms. These factors collectively influence the likelihood of females in societies where early marriage is common to delay marriage in pursuit of personal, educational, and career goals.
Education allows women more opportunities, they have more earning potential and are free to take more training also further educational opportunities, which enhances their carer potential, they are economically stable, have housing, a social life, can afford the niceties in life and decide their own path in life.
women do not need to rely on marriage for security, If these women can choose to have a life partner and children or not. due to modern contraception pregnancy is a choice, women now make decisions and shape their own futures.
However this can have a cultural bias, it depends on the social dynamics and expectations within their family and wider society, some communities have a higher expectation of marriage and put pressure on individuals to conform with the groups shared goals.