Marriage

The Challenge

In the Middle East, marriage and family formation are significant milestones for young people in their transition to adulthood.  A generation ago, marriage was both early and universal - 63 percent of Middle Eastern men when reaching  their mid- to late 20s were married. Today, as a result of economic hardship and high financial costs of marriage which fall largely on the groom, nearly 50 percent of men between the ages of 25 and 29 are unmarried. Lack of affordable housing is also another important factor that contributes to this delay since more couples desire independent housing after marriage. While delay in  marriage can lower fertility and expand women’s opportunities for education and work, the involuntary delay in marriage is generating new social and economic difficulties protracting young people's transition to independence.

The Opportunity

Policymakers and researchers need to pay more attention to the issue of delayed marriage and seek better understanding of its significance on young people's lives. As more young people delay marriage, the institution of marriage is changing and new marriage “substitutes” and norms are emerging to replace its traditional definition. Paying attention to the housing market can play an important role in determining new ways to alleviate financial costs and encourage youth to become fully independent and start a family.   

A Fact

In Iran, 38 percent of 25-to-29-year-old men are unmarried, the largest pool of unattached males in Iranian history.

 Personal Journey