The Deputy of the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Iran states that in studies conducted by this organization, marriage was the top priority for youth in 2003, but it has now dropped to the fourth priority. A senior official from the Ministry of Sports and Youth also claims that the main reason for the reluctance to marry is not economic issues. Reza Hajati, the Director General of Social Participation at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, mentioned in a roundtable discussion at the IRNA news agency that although 'we have not yet become a modern society,' 'traditional institutions do not meet the needs of society.' Hajati has also called for less government intervention in this matter and for marriage issues to be entrusted to 'non-governmental organizations.' He stated that 11 million young Iranian citizens are of 'marriageable age' and added that 'this number of youth is refraining from marrying for various reasons that need to be seriously examined.' The legal age for marriage in Iran is 13 for girls and 15 for boys. Statistics published in 2011 showed that the average age of men was nearly 27 years and for women was over 23 years. In subsequent years, the average age for men has surpassed 27. According to the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, IRNA, statistics from the Youth Organization indicate a decrease in prioritization, showing that marriage has fallen to the fourth position. The report does not mention the first three priorities of Iranian youth. The Director General of Social Participation at the Ministry of Sports and Youth also stated to the same news agency that 'based on surveys and research,' it has been concluded that economic issues are not the main reason for the majority of youth's reluctance to marry. Hajati claims that 'lack of necessary capabilities' and 'fear of starting a family' are the main reasons for not marrying. This official stated that in District 1 of Tehran, 70% of all marriages end in separation. The Director General of Information and Statistics at the Civil Registration Organization of Iran mentioned last month that 'emerging phenomena' in contemporary Iranian families have reduced the marriage rate by 6.5% and the number of 'single-person households' is on the rise.
Iran's National Youth Organization: Marriage Has Become the Fourth Priority
The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth reports that marriage has fallen to the fourth priority among youth, down from first place in 2003. Factors such as lack of capabilities and fear of family formation are cited as reasons for the decline in marriage rates. This trend reflects broader social changes and challenges facing young Iranians today.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth reported that marriage has dropped from being the top priority for youth in 2003 to the fourth priority today, citing reasons such as lack of capabilities and fear of family formation. This change indicates a significant shift in societal values and youth priorities.
- 11 million young Iranians are of marriageable age but are refraining from marrying.
- 70% of marriages in District 1 of Tehran reportedly end in separation.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Marriage has historically been a central institution in Iranian society, but changing values among youth reflect broader global trends towards individualism and personal choice.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%