Why has the age of marriage in Turkey been steadily increasing in recent
years? In other words, why do young people no longer see marriage as a primary
choice? Of course, many answers can be given to these questions. The
worsening economic conditions, the changing perception of the institution of
marriage, the decline in trust among individuals, and the preference for living
alone are among the main factors that contribute to the rise in the age of
marriage. At the same time, these factors can also be considered elements that
negatively affect young people’s expectations of marriage.
When we examine young people’s expectations of marriage, economic
conditions emerge as the first and most significant obstacle. The process of
getting married brings many financial responsibilities, such as wedding
expenses, rent, household items, and numerous other costs that may not even be
anticipated. As these costs have increased dramatically in today’s economy,
many young people are reluctant to take on such responsibilities, which is quite
understandable. Taking on heavy debt in order to build a happy and peaceful
home may harm the marriage over time. Therefore, young people tend to
distance themselves from marriage to avoid this risk. Many prefer to consider
marriage only after achieving financial security. As a young person myself, I
would also prefer to get married after attaining financial stability and would
choose to avoid additional expenses such as a large wedding. In short, young
people are not avoiding marriage itself, but rather the financial burdens
associated with it. Their expectation is to enter a form of marriage that is less
financially demanding. However, economic conditions are not the only factor
that shapes young people’s expectations of marriage.
In addition to economic conditions, emotional expectations also play an
important role in the decision to marry. Young people today do not expect only
love, respect, and mutual understanding in marriage; they also desire a
relationship in which shared interests are cultivated, quality time is spent
together, and each individual’s personal space is respected. At the same time,
young people prefer a form of marriage in which both partners maintain their
economic independence and are able to stand on their own feet.
Furthermore, personal space and individual freedom are among the primary
expectations of young people from marriage. Even if couples live together and
share the same home, both partners should have their own boundaries and
private spaces. Within marriage, individuals also wish to continue their personal
development and achieve their individual goals. Therefore, young people aim to
build a marriage based on mutual respect, where personal boundaries are
preserved and both partners can express themselves freely.
The erosion of trust between people is also a factor that leads young
individuals to distance themselves from marriage. Situations such as insecurity
and infidelity in relationships cause individuals to approach marriage more
cautiously. This, in turn, makes young people’s expectations from marriage
more complex and multidimensional. Young people are also influenced by past
marriages. They tend to avoid marriage due to the fear that the unhappy and
complicated relationships of the past might happen to them as well.
The roles assigned to men and women by the institution of marriage in the past
are now being questioned and redefined. Especially with women taking more
active roles in education, professional life, and social life, there is a growing
expectation for a more egalitarian structure in marriage. Young people desire a
marriage in which decisions are made together, responsibilities are shared, and
both partners can express themselves freely.
In conclusion, young people have very different expectations from marriage.
For them, economic security, healthy communication, equality, and freedom
constitute the fundamental elements of marriage. Without these elements, they
do not see marriage as a priority, and they tend to postpone or avoid marriage
altogether if these expectations are not met. This situation shows that marriage is
not a necessity, but rather something that takes place based on the desires and
choices of young individuals.
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