Today, young people’s views on marriage in our country have changed significantly
compared to the past. While previous generations viewed marriage primarily as a “natural
step in life,” for today’s youth, this decision has become a matter requiring much more careful
consideration. Economic conditions, personal goals, and shifting social values directly
influence young people’s expectations regarding marriage. I believe we are seeing that
marriage has now taken a backseat.
First of all, for young people, marriage is no longer viewed merely as an emotional union, but
also as an economic partnership. Due to rising living costs, difficulties in finding
employment, and economic uncertainties, many young people are postponing their decision to
marry. My friends and I share this view. We believe we should first establish a solid
foundation on our own, secure our careers, and achieve financial independence before
considering marriage. For young people living in major cities, in particular, setting up a
household, paying rent, and making ends meet are seen as serious responsibilities. As a result,
reaching a certain level of financial stability before marriage has become an important
expectation.
However, today’s young people are seeking more “understanding” and “harmony” in
marriage. While marriage decisions were once largely influenced by families, today they are
shaped by individuals’ own preferences. Young people want a relationship where they can
express themselves, where their ideas are valued, and where they receive emotional support.
This indicates that expectations from marriage are no longer solely material but also
emphasize psychological and emotional dimensions. While marriage was traditionally seen as
a burden primarily placed on women, today male partners must also support their wives and
work toward harmony.
Another important point is career and personal goals. Especially as women’s roles in
education and the workforce have expanded, marriage is no longer the sole objective. Young
people want to establish their own lives first, advance in their careers, and find personal
fulfillment. This trend is leading to a rise in the average age of marriage and more deliberate
decisions regarding marriage. In fact, when I look around me, it’s not hard to see that many
young people are approaching marriage with a bit of caution. Especially in conversations
among friends, phrases like “I want to get my life in order first” or “I want to be financially
secure” are heard quite often. No one wants to get married just for the sake of being married
anymore. Instead, they’re looking for a relationship where they can truly be happy, feel
secure, and share their lives. For some, marriage has even become a choice that gains
meaning only when the right person is found, rather than a mere obligation. This clearly
shows that young people are approaching marriage in a more conscious and selective manner.
In addition, significant changes are taking place in attitudes toward gender roles. Today’s
young people are embracing a more egalitarian model of marriage. Expectations such as the
sharing of household chores, women’s active participation in the workforce, and men’s
involvement in domestic responsibilities are becoming increasingly widespread. This
indicates that the traditional understanding of marriage is evolving. In the past, the man
worked while the woman stayed home, but this dynamic has now changed. Both men and
women can work, and household chores are shared. It can be said that social media also has a
significant impact on perceptions of marriage today. People constantly see others’
relationships, weddings, or what appear to be “perfect” lives, and this inevitably raises
expectations. However, this situation can sometimes lead to unrealistic fantasies. Are the
things we see on social media truly accurate? Or are they scripted? For this reason, many
young people are trying to strike a balance between their expectations and reality before
taking the step toward marriage. A romantic relationship alone is no longer considered
sufficient; elements such as respect, trust, and mutual understanding have become just as
important as love.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among young people toward distancing
themselves from marriage and, in some cases, even growing disinterested in it. One of the
main reasons for this is economic uncertainty and the high cost of living. Young people do not
want to take on the responsibilities of marriage before they are financially independent. In
addition, negative relationship experiences from the past, stories of divorce heard from others,
and trust issues are also influencing attitudes toward marriage. Furthermore, as individualism
takes center stage, many young people fear losing their freedom. When all these factors
combine, marriage ceases to be an attractive goal for some young people and becomes a
serious decision that requires careful consideration.
As a result, young people in Türkiye have more diverse and informed expectations regarding
marriage compared to the past. Factors such as economic security, emotional compatibility,
individual freedom, and equality have become decisive in the decision to marry. This shift is
influencing both individuals’ lifestyles and the overall structure of society. For today’s youth,
marriage is no longer merely a necessity but a preferred way of life when the right person and
the right conditions are present.
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