[Mrs. Don-o]

But they (the 15-year-old farm wives) were wives. On farms. Where they were, literally, working helpmates. And that made all the difference.

In an agrarian society, females who are physically mature enough to have babies are also socially mature enough to marry. Their role is clear, and honored; their competence is respected; the marriages last.

That's nothing like what we're talking about now.

[wyowolf]

I get that they were wives, my aunt was married at 15, her husband was 21... thats just like this article, except for the married part.

they ve been married 68 years.. i think she turned out just fine.

[fwdude]

Women were also correctly recognized as the “weaker” sex, vulnerable in society. Allowing an older man take over the role of “cover” for the young woman was a gesture of care, not of sexual advantage.