Khaberni - Faiez Odeibat
Jordan is witnessing a notable rise in delayed marriage rates, surfacing forcefully in public discussions and presenting society with persistent questions in almost every home: Why is there a decline in interest in marriage? And why are the numbers of single men and women increasing year after year? Despite varying interpretations, most viewpoints agree that the phenomenon is expanding, and its social impact has become apparent.
Statistics indicate that the circle of unmarried individuals at what should be the peak of family stability is widening. Regardless of the accuracy of percentages in reports and research, there is a general sentiment that marriage is no longer an easy or available option as it was a decade or two ago. Many young people find themselves facing costs that exceed their capacities, from dowries and preparations to housing and family requirements, while job opportunities decrease, unemployment rises, and salaries remain limited, insufficient for starting a family or a stable new life.
In the midst of this discussion, a recent article by Ms. Nevin Al-Ayasra emerged, advocating polygamy as a solution to the problem of spinsterhood, considering that opening this option might reduce the number of girls delaying marriage. This proposition stirred a broad wave of comments and divisions on social networking platforms between supporters and opponents. However, what is striking is that the majority of responses came from women who see that the real problem is not in the presence or absence of polygamy, but in the economic reasons that prevent youth from marrying in the first place. As they expressed, what is the use of polygamy if most young people are unable to afford even one marriage? And how can this idea be a solution while their living conditions do not allow them to establish even one household, let alone bear the burdens of two?
This argument and the reactions it provoked have refocused attention on the core issue, with the biggest barrier to marriage today being economic rather than anything else. A youth facing years of unemployment, or earning a salary that barely covers personal expenses, will not be able to progress towards marriage regardless of changes in laws or multiple options. A girl who wants stability isn’t waiting for a "social solution" as much as she is waiting for a partner capable of shouldering life's responsibilities.
The delay in marriage is no longer linked only to a lack of desire or change in values, but has naturally become a result of difficult living conditions, high costs, and social expectations that have not kept pace with economic change. While discussions continue about causes and solutions, the standout fact remains that any realistic solution must start with improving the youth’s conditions, opening employment opportunities, easing living burdens, and simplifying marriage costs, before discussing other cultural or social options.
The phenomenon requires calm understanding, not flagellation or judgments. The society that wants to address the delay in marriage must pay attention to its real roots, realizing that marriage is not faltering over an idea, but due to life becoming harder than many young people can bear.
