UK initiatives on forced marriage: regulation, dialogue and exit

The literature on feminism and multiculturalism has identified potential conflicts between the recognition of cultural diversity and securing women’s equality. Three broad approaches to this dilemma have emerged in the practices of contemporary states: regulation, working with the communities, and exit. Each of these is apparent in current initiatives regarding forced marriage, but the overwhelming emphasis in the UK has been on enabling individuals to exit from the threat or reality of a forced marriage. In assessing these initiatives, we highlight the limitations of exit and the danger of moving towards immigration regulation as the preferred solution.