Marriage Changes in Iran in the Last Three Decades (1986-2016)

Abstract. Marriage, along with the mechanisms of realization and the order and arrangements related to it, is one of the most important social, cultural and biological phenomena that is both affected by the changes in society and influential on it. In recent decades, despite the relative continuity in some aspects, attitudes and behaviors related to marriage in Iran, the timing of marriage has experienced significant changes. The purpose of this article is to examine the changes in marriage timing in Iranian society in the last three decades. The research method is secondary analysis of census data from 1986 to 2016. Two indicators of celibacy ratio and the age specific first marriage rate have been used to examine the timing of marriage. The results showed that the ratio of celibacy of women at young age (24-15 years) has decreased, but in contrast, the ratio of celibacy of men at the age of early marriage and before the age of 30 has increased. The results also showed that the definite celibacy of women and men increased. however, the rate of definite celibacy for women is about twice that of definite celibacy for men. Adopting policies to boost the economy and encourage young people to get married on time can reduce the celibacy of men and women.