The law is all-powerful, but occasionally culture — as in people — drive decision-making. That's what's happening in Saudi Arabia for young girls, for families, for that society and humanity.

An eight-year old girl has divorced (you read that right) her 50-year old husband (you read that correctly, too). The girl's father had reportedly sold her "rights" to the 50-year old man for $13,000. The girls' mother, understandably, was deeply shaken by the marriage and had pleaded for a divorce. The court had denied the request. In Saudi Arabia there is no minimum age for marriage.

What's more shocking: the lack of an age requirement, that men desire children to "marry," or that this is common practice in that society?

"Any culture that could allow, support and encourage such naked cruelty to its children has a hole in its soul and engages in shameless, pernicious, damaging beyond belief child abuse," said Carleton Kendrick, a family therapist, television and radio social commentator and author of Take Out Your Nose Ring Honey, We're Going To Grandma's.

Is marrying a child truly what humanity defines as marriage, or is it a psychologically twisted rationalization for evil? There is no common ground, no investing in each other as a team, having a confidante to go through life with, no mutual support, no adult conversations and no growth as a couple. There is also the element of physical intimacy. Do we really wish to visualize and try to understand the effects of that element on a child?

"Children at this age view themselves as the center of the world. Common thoughts at this age when something difficult occurs are ‘I am being punished for something I did’ or ‘This just proves I am a bad girl',” said Elizabeth Lombardo, family therapist and author of the upcoming book The Happiness Prescription: Your Complete Guide to Happiness, Regardless of What is Going on in your Life.

Do we need an expert to understand the dysfunction of the man who desires such intimacy?

The world put pressure on the Saudis to consider a change to their law, their philosophy, and their view of females - from women to children. Females are devalued in that society, second-class citizens.

"It shows a very male-dominated culture that is steeped in violence and disrespect," said author Jennifer Austin Leigh, a doctor of psychology, also known as Dr. Jenn For Girls.

Article Author: Michael Toebe

Michael Toebe has been a reporter for newspapers and radio, a freelance feature writer for a magazine and online publications, a talk show host, newspaper blogger and independent blogger.

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