Changes in the Family in Contemporary Iran Emphasis on Marriage and Divorce

The institution of the family in Iran has faced important changes during the last few decades, such as a transition from extended family to a nuclear family, an increase in marriage age, a decrease in the marriage rate, an increase in absolute celibacy, a change in criteria for choosing a spouse and increase in divorce. The purpose of this study is to present a picture of the evolution of the family and introduce theoretical approaches with an emphasis on the state of marriage and divorce. To explain the evolution of the family, three theoretical approaches have been used, "modernization theory", "second demographic transition theory" and "postmodern theory". In this study, two methods of "documentary" and "secondary analysis" were used. First, the topics related to the background, literature and research theories have been used from available scientific sources. And then, by referring to the data of the results of the censuses, the civil registration organization and the national survey report, the developments of marriage and divorce have been explained. The results showed that during the last four decades, the share of extended families has decreased and the net marriage rate has decreased, the average age of marriage and divorce rates have increased, and the criteria and methods of choosing a spouse and the attitude towards divorce have changed from traditional dimensions to modern ones. To make policies to increase the marriage rate, reduce the age of marriage and reduce the divorce rate, because the causes of most of the changes that have emerged are socio-cultural, it is suggested that instead of providing loans and facilities for marriage or issuing a directive to reduce divorce,special measures should be takenin the field of cultural issues and to change the lifestyle components in the country.