The Effect of Parenthood on the Length of Matrimonial Unions in Iran

In rec​ent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of divorces, with a considerable proportion of these occurring within the term of a few years of marriage. Diverse socioeconomic, demographic, and psychological elements can impact the duration between an individual's marriage and divorce.This study aims to examine the potential impact of reproduction, a demographic variable, on the length of matrimonial unions. Given the normative and institutional emphasis on the family-oriented model of child-rearing in Iran, it is anticipated that the presence of children will have a significant impact on the longevity of matrimonial unions.To study this issue, a statistical analysis was conducted on 2139 women who were referred for divorce to official offices in centers of provinces of Iran (excluding Tehran) between the years of marriage and the number of children. The analysis was based on secondary data from the marriage and divorce survey (2017-2018) and utilized statistical methods including multivariate linear regression and comparison of means.The statistical analysis in this article incorporated control variables such as marriage and divorce, which pertained to individual characteristics. The findings from the multiple linear regression analysis indicate that there is a positive correlation between the number of offspring and the duration of marriage. 54% of the variance in the dependent variable can be accounted for by this unique variable.The offspring, regarded as unique assets of the marriage, appear to contribute positively to its longevity. Subsequent research endeavors may enhance our understanding of the significance of children as a cornerstone of the family unit in strengthening matrimony through an investigation into the prevalence of divorce among children in Iran.