The Trend of Changes in the Unmarried Population Due to Divorce in the General Population and Housing Censuses of Iran:1986-2016

Abstract. The present article aims to study the trend of changes in the unmarried population due to divorce during the 5 census periods of 1986-2016 and some of their demographic, economic and social characteristics in the provinces of the country. Findings indicate that the highest proportion of unmarried people due to divorce to married people in the provinces of Tehran, Alborz and Kermanshah in all census periods between the provinces is observed for both men and women. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Yazd, Kohgiluyeh, Boyer-Ahmad and Ilam are the provinces that have been at the bottom of this list for most of these years. The illiteracy rate among unmarried people due to divorce has been lower in all years of the census than among married people. This process is the same for both sexes. Men who are unmarried due to divorce are more unemployed than employed, and divorced women are in dire need of a job market. After divorce, men are more likely to return to their former families, while women form independent families and appear as heads of households. Continuous study of the causes and consequences of divorce is necessary to prevent a sudden encounter with a critical situation. It is suggested that for a deeper study of divorce as well as its study in the geographical area of the country, a national family survey should be conducted and access to longitudinal data in the field of marriage and divorce developments and family dynamics should be provided.