Exploring the Drivers of Behaviour: The Case of Child Marriage

"...we must explain to people why child marriage threatens the lives, wellbeing and futures of girls. That is why it is illegal. The message is clear and simple."

Developed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), this e-course introduces learners to behavioural drivers and the role they play in influencing behaviour. It uses the example of child marriage to illustrate concepts and principles, but the lessons gained can be applied to other sectors and issues, and the course can benefit anyone with an interest in behavioural drivers and social and behaviour change (SBC).

The course uses cartoon-like scenarios to engage learners, providing them with the opportunity to reflect on the content and consolidate learning through quizzes and participatory activities. Specifically, employing a story-based approach, the course takes the learner on a journey through two fictional scenarios illustrating the diverse drivers that shape decision-making and action in child marriage.

Featuring captioning for screen readers, this course consists of three sequential modules, each taking under one hour to complete. The modules are:

1. Introduction and Poonam's Story: Behavioural drivers and how they influence behaviours
2. Amina's Story: The complexity of behaviour and the role of social and gender norms
3. Desired changes, audience groups and illustrative SBC approaches

Through these modules, the learner is introduced to: the Behavioural Drivers Model and the Social Ecological Model as frameworks to understand behavioural influences; the role of social and gender norms, reference groups, and social networks in shaping behaviours; and illustrative approaches and activities to promote desired SBC.