Ethical theories provide a critical framework for understanding the role of decision making in social and cultural setting. Theories such as utilitarianism, egoism, ethics of care, and deontology provide critical viewpoints that are essential when seeking moral guidance in decision making. The above noted ethical theories emphasize on diverse aspects of decision making process, a pointer to predictive results and belief systems. McCray (2019) further observes that understanding social aspects of cultural beliefs and practices come into sharp focus when an individual is faced with making a life-changing decision for another's life. At the same time common goals set apart the various theories which are essential in ethical decision making. Good decision making promote human and social good. The proposal discusses the age limit, and the ethical theory applied is cultural relativism. Age limits is a sensitive social subject that raises serious social issues as concerns cultural relativism and the role of ethical decision making.
Leye (2017) maintains that many people in diverse cultural settings hold the perception that having a child bride is a cultural obligation and is in line with their belief systems. Some cultural settings, however, perceive child bride as an immoral standing considering the well-being and future of a child in play. While some social groupings such as in the Western countries provide education to their kids to sharpen their future, others decide on marrying them off ( McGaughey, 2016) . Although some cultures uphold the practice of age limits where girls are married after attaining a certain age, some still practice child bride and accord the practice great respect
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McGaughey (2018) argues that child marriage is a practice that entails marrying off a boy or girl who is below the age of 18. It is an informal union whereby children live with their partners as a married couple. In Asia and most of Africa, this practice is prevalent and is widely supported by community members. At the age of 18, one is still far below the marriage age or ability to fend for oneself and still do not have the ability to take full role of parenting. It is a practice that violates a child's rights and exposes them to abuse, exploitation, and violence. According to McCaughey (2016) India has continued to lead in child marriage below 18 years, and it is approximated that over a third of Asia's population supports the practice. Bangladesh is on record having the highest number of child marriages below the age of 18 ( Leye, 2017) . Child marriage in Bangladesh is mainly the interplay of social and economic forces. The practice is part of social attitudes and a norm widely accepted and often reflects the lowly level girl's right is violated and trashed.
Unchained At last and Tahirih Justice Center are two influential advocacy groups pushing for laws aimed at raising the age of marriage. Many social settings, such as in Delaware, have taken active steps towards banning early marriage. Lawmakers in Delaware have also had a challenging time increasing the age limit and putting in place safeguards that allow girls to achieve a recommended age before marriage ( McGaughey, 2016) . Kentucky and Florida have also passed legislation that raises the age of marriage to seventeen and eighteen. In Missouri, tourist marriages have been a prevalent practice that has seen girls as young as 12 years married off. Lawmakers have, however, tried their best to raise the age limit to 15 years. However children aged 17 and above were allowed to seek parental consent before marriage. Children aged 15 to 16 need approvals from either a judge or parents before getting permission to marry ( Leye, 2017) . However, some lawmakers in the state argued that the law had kept the judicial system in the loop. Legislations are thus needed to prevent situations in which children are coerced into marriage ( McGaughey, 2016) . Bringing girls from other states into Missouri for marriage has continued to raise challenges for lawmakers and put the courts in an awkward position, especially in aligning the law of two different countries/States.
Cultural Relativism Theory
Cultural relativism refers to understanding a culture it's practices and norms and not making any lopsided judgments of one's cultural traditions. The essence of cultural relativism is the promotion of traditional practices that are not within one's values and practices ( Billet, 2016) . By the use of cultural relativism one develops the view that no single culture is grander and above others. Cultural relativism is an ideology that is derived from one's meaning within a given social framework. It is also founded on the idea that there is no single custom of evil or good. Billet (2016) maintains that , a judgment of the rightness or wrongness of an act is decided on an individual level. At the same time, Cultural relativism also denotes the fact that opinions based on ethical values are subjected to a personal perspective within a given cultural setting. There is no single wrong or right moral arrangement. Within a holistic comprehension of cultural relativism, the understanding of cultural decisions is promoted, especially those that are unlike other cultures such as early marriages, genital cutting, and insect-eating.
Absolute cultural relativism entails not questioning others' cultural practices, while critical cultural relativism raises questions concerning practices about who is partaking them and the reason behind the practice ( Billet, 2016) . Critical relativism, at the same time, appreciates the power of relations and associations.
However, from a different point of view, it can be assumed that cultural relativism support and allows for child marriages. However, on a deeper setting, cultural relativism concerns how others see things about their perspectives. Often, this standing is not right and only introduces the concept of moral relativism. Moral relativism supports the notion that there is no cultural practice that has a set of principles. As such, there is no objectivity in favoring one cultural practice over others. According to Billet (2016) societies design their cultural traditions in line with their customs ad beliefs, practices and traditions which form their everyday living custom.
Ethical Theories on Age Limit (Early Child Marriage)
With the widespread cultural practice of child marriage, world bodies such as the United Nations have categorically condemned the act arguing that it is a violation of children's rights. At the same time, the UN claims that the decision to marry off young girls below marriageable age is not only immoral but lacks ethical consideration and principles. A parent has the option of sending their daughter to school and later graduating from leading a good life. At the same time, the parent has the belief that he or she has the overall responsibility for the child and can decide on the best cause of action to take, including marrying her off at a tender age. One can also prefer choosing the best option in line with prevailing circumstances, mainly depending on desirability.
The above situation thus raises the role of decision making age limit in child marriage. Ethical principles play a critical part and foundation of decision making, especially when the viewpoint of others is sought or put into consideration ( Billet, 2016) . Understanding ethical decision making is essential for anyone who appreciates that a decision is made in line with various concerns that include cultural practices, available information, and rules and guidelines on the same.
Plato's moral-based eudemonistic of ethical norms uphold well-being and happiness as the key objective of conduct and moral guideline. According to Jonas (2017) Plato's moral guidance is flexible and seeks to support derivatives of good and happiness that conform to ethical values. His philosophy on the same is less complicated in consideration of human behavior and nature. In the mixed living of Phelebus, Plato presents an open and relaxed life devoid of rigid rules and principles. The ethical theory is based on striking a balance with the soul. Thus any cultural value needs to identify with the essence of prudence. However, considering Plato's ethical theory, it does not imply that moral essentials should be evaluated from an individual's perspective ( Jonas, 2017) . However, morals remain open to a cultural understanding considering the diverse different interpretations that underline moral obligation.
Utilitarianism
According to utilitarianism, the best ethically correct course of action is that which brings forth the best benefit. For example, act utilitarianism mainly focuses on getting the best and maximum good. Although a person's right may be infringed, the action behind it will bring forth the maximum benefit to many ( Boyle, 2019) . The position thus supports early child marriage even if it denies a child his or her fundamental rights. The father will be happy, in-laws, the mother, and the entire community will derive well from the marriage. An individual upholding the view is focused on what is good for the community and that bringing forth goodness.
On the other hand, deontological ethical theory focus on people adhering to decision making if ethics is of the essence. It thus denotes to following one's obligation to society or others since ding so is ethically right. For example, in cultures that practice early child marriages, a parent giving his or her daughters hand in marriage is merely fulfilling a cultural or social obligation to society or the community, an act that follows within cultural laws and values. According to Boyle (2019) one who thus follows to deontological theory brings forth endless choices based on their set responsibilities. However, this theory has no or little logical foundation. However, one's duties, such as marrying off a child, may violate other state laws or cultural practices. While marrying off a child is fulfilling a set of individual obligations to society, it may not be logical or may not have any reasonable basis.
Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics
Aristotle's virtue ethics is pegged on of living a morally upright life and living. It is character-based and is of the assumption that one acquires moral values through honorable practice ( Heinaman, 2017) . For example, by endearing a generous, honest, and brave character, one develops a righteous disposition and well-being. For instance, Aristotle's virtue ethics argues that by polishing moral behaviors, one is likely to make the best essential decision if faced with a complicated situation. Virtue thus gives one the guideline to living a good and moral life that revolves around ethical impasse. In view of Aristotle’s virtue of ethics marrying-off a child calls for the need to weigh on the moral aspects of such an action. According to Heinaman (2017) considering through the elements of such a move will no doubt call for a virtuous person who will make the right decision. As a character-based approach, Aristotle's theory is a reliance on one's moral disposition ( Heinaman, 2017) . A good and morally upright person will no doubt make an ethical decision, and that puts into consideration the well-being of the child considering their young age.
Conclusion
No two cultures can all be the same in practice and norms such as in the case of age limit. Cultural practices bring forth the varying diversity evident in modern day societies. While some cultures appreciate and practice child marriage due to their deeply engrained cultural practices, others abhor and denounce the practice in totality. However, the moral aspect of the practice can only be viewed by reviewing ethical values and theories that attempt to guide ethical decision making within the context of cultural and individual obligations. Whether it is wrong or right all depends on a personal perspective, and just as cultural relativism asserts, no cultural practice is worse or better than the other. Cultural diversity and acknowledging the unique aspect of other unique cultural practices is what improves perspective, creativity, productivity, and global beauty.
References
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Heinaman, R. (2017). Plato and Aristotle's ethics . Routledge.
Hunt, E. K. (2017). Humane orientation as a moral construct in ethical leadership theories: A comparative analysis of transformational, servant, and authentic leadership in the United States, Mexico, and China. International Journal on Leadership , 5 (2), 1.
Jonas, M. E. (2017). Plato on the Necessity of Imitation and Habituation for the Cultivation of the Virtues. In Varieties of Virtue Ethics (pp. 233-248). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Leye, E. (2017). FORCED MARRIAGE IN EUROPE. Responding to Domestic Violence: Emerging Challenges for Policy, Practice and Research in Europe , 251.
McCray, C. (2019). Ethical Theory and Its Application Teaching Marginalized Populations. In Critical Essays on the New Moral Imperative for Supporting Marginalized Students in PK-20 Education (pp. 1-31). IGI Global.
McGaughey, F. (2018). 8 Irish Travellers and Teenage Pregnancy: A Feminist, Cultural, Relativist Analysis. RE/ASSEMBLING THE PREGNANT AND PARENTING , 173.
