The Challenge of Marriage and Divorce in Iran
October 2025
Story by Meraj Mirahmadian
In the complex and dynamic contemporary world, the institution of the family, as the cornerstone of society, has undergone extensive transformations. In Iran, these transformations have been accompanied by phenomena such as an increasing divorce rate and the hardships on the path to marriage. Analyzing this situation requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and scientific approach that integrates sociological, economic, psychological, and political dimensions. Marriage, within Iran’s cultural and historical context, has always been considered a sacred and stable institution. However, in recent decades, we have witnessed changes in its associated patterns and values. Increasing marriage age, declining crude marriage rate, and shifting mate selection criteria are among these developments.
From a sociological perspective, this can be attributed to factors, the most important of which is the change in family structure and gender roles. With the expansion of higher education and the more prominent presence of women in social and economic spheres, their expectations from marriage have transformed. Today’s women increasingly seek participation in decision-making, financial independence, and equality within the relationship. This is while, in many cases, traditional and patriarchal structures still resist, and this gap can lead to tension. Another factor is individualism and the emphasis on self-actualization. In Iran’s transitional society, individual values and the pursuit of personal happiness sometimes take precedence over collective and family commitments. When marriage is perceived as an obstacle to achieving personal goals, the likelihood of its dissolution increases. Furthermore, a lack of communication and life skills also plays a significant role. Many young couples lack the necessary training for conflict resolution, anger management, effective communication, and shared financial management. This deficiency makes the foundation of the relationship fragile.
Official and unofficial statistics indicate a worrying increase in the divorce rate in Iran. It is a phenomenon that is no longer an exception but has become a social reality. Divorce cannot be viewed merely as an individual failure; it is a sign of macro-level inefficiencies within the societal context. Undoubtedly, one of the most profound and tangible factors affecting marriage and divorce in Iran is the economic situation. This impact can be examined across several main axes. The heavy financial burden of marriage, the exorbitant costs of housing, trousseau, the mahr (dowry), and wedding ceremonies have become an insurmountable obstacle for many young people. This not only delays the age of marriage but also means that marriages that do occur begin under a heavy burden of debt and financial stress. Inflation and decreased purchasing power also impose severe psychological pressure on couples. The inability to meet basic life needs, including food, clothing, housing, and healthcare, directly impacts life satisfaction and relationship quality. When individuals’ mental and psychological energy is focused on economic survival, little space remains for love, intimacy, and mutual growth. Unemployment and job insecurity, especially among youth and university graduates, not only make starting a family difficult but are also a destructive factor for established families. Job insecurity and insufficient income cause tension, feelings of helplessness, and in some cases, lead to risky behaviors.
International sanctions against Iran must be considered a macro and determining variable in this equation. By creating widespread shocks to the national economy, these sanctions have exacerbated all the mentioned economic factors. The reduction in national income, limiting the country’s access to financial resources and global markets, has led to a sharp decline in foreign exchange earnings. The devastating combination of high inflation and economic stagnation has been the most direct consequence of sanctions, affecting people’s daily lives.
Furthermore, many production and commercial units have gone bankrupt due to the inability to import raw materials or export products, which has fueled widespread unemployment. These macro-economic factors, which sanctions have played a prominent role in intensifying, have created a backdrop of insecurity, stress, and despair that directly pressures the stability of the family institution. When the “family breadwinner” is unable to provide a livelihood, their human dignity is compromised, and this can lead to violence, diminished self-esteem, and emotional estrangement.
Economic pressures are not limited to material problems; they leave deep psychological wounds. Chronic stress and anxiety, stemming from constant worry about the future, debts, and making ends meet, reduce an individual’s psychological resilience and make them vulnerable to the smallest triggers. The feeling of inability to control life and improve conditions can lead to symptoms of depression. Depression is a major factor in decreased libido, communication disorders, and neglect of family responsibilities. Numerous studies have also shown a direct relationship between economic problems and increased verbal and physical violence within families. Financial stress is a powerful trigger for anger.
However, analyzing this phenomenon without considering the cultural and emotional dimension would be incomplete. Marriage in Iran is not just an economic or social contract; it carries deep emotional and cultural weight. In Iranian culture, marriage is a milestone for achieving peace, forming a warm family hearth, and realizing part of one’s individual identity. When this institution faces a crisis, it is not merely a legal failure but also an emotional and cultural collapse. The loss of shared dreams and aspirations, the feeling of failure in performing traditional roles as spouse or parent, and rejection from extended family networks all add to the pain of divorce. In many cases, couples do not separate solely due to economic pressures, but because of the gradual erosion of affection and emotional connection under the weight of these pressures. When all the mental and psychological energy of a couple is spent on solving financial crises, no room remains for expressing love, attending to each other’s emotional needs, and building beautiful shared memories. Poverty and destitution affect not only people’s tables but also their hearts, emptying them of kindness and affection. On the other hand, our society’s culture has not yet fully come to terms with the phenomenon of divorce. Heavy gazes, unfair moral judgments, and the stigma pour salt on the emotional wounds of those experiencing divorce and slow their healing process. This cultural pressure causes many couples to remain for years in a failed and barren relationship, solely because they fear facing societal judgment. This, in turn, leads to the spread of psychological distress, increased silent domestic violence, and the upbringing of children in an unhealthy environment.
The issue of marriage and divorce in Iran is a multi-dimensional puzzle whose solution requires national resolve and a systemic approach. One cannot place all the blame on the economy or sanctions, nor can one ignore their determining role. Sanctions, as an external factor, have deepened the existing crisis through interaction with internal inefficient structures. The way out of this situation is only possible through coordinated actions at the micro, middle, and macro levels. At the macro level, it is essential for the government to reduce the economic pressure on households by adopting efficient economic policies, active diplomacy to lift sanctions, and implementing targeted welfare programs. Supporting job creation, curbing inflation, and facilitating access to housing are top priorities.
At the middle level, cultural and educational institutions can help strengthen the foundation of the family by promoting life skills, providing pre-marital education based on psychological science, and redefining gender roles based on mutual participation and respect. At the micro level, couples and families must take responsibility for their personal growth and improving their communication skills. Investing in the “emotional capital” of the relationship, even in the most difficult economic conditions, can be a support for overcoming crises. Ultimately, the health of the family institution is an indicator of a society’s health. Addressing the crisis of marriage and divorce is not a choice but a necessity for ensuring Iran’s social future. This will only be possible by understanding the complexity of the issue and taking courageous action in all spheres.
