Identifying Factors Influencing the Decline of Marriage and Childbearing Rates among Young People in Iran: A Study Using the Delphi Method

This study identifies the causes of declining marriage and childbearing rates among young people in Iran. A qualitative research method was employed, utilizing the Delphi technique with a working group of ۱۰ experts. Data were collected across three rounds, and central tendency and dispersion measures (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyze the collective judgments of the respondents. The findings indicate that economic challenges, an inclination toward Western lifestyles, decreased faith, lack of suitable employment, the desire for higher education among women, increased economic power among women, family issues, and urbanization are significant factors contributing to the decline in marriage desire. Furthermore, parental concerns about their children’s future employment prospects were crucial in reducing the desire for childbearing. These findings provide a basis for interventions aimed at reducing the age of marriage and increasing fertility rates.

Keywords:

Marriage , Childbearing , Delphi Method