Marriage in the Arab world.

Abstract

Families in the Arab world are undergoing major changes as new patterns of marriage and family formation emerge across the region. Universal early marriage is no longer the standard it once was in Arab countries: The average age at marriage for both men and women is generally rising and more Arab women are staying single longer or not marrying at all. While these trends are part of a general global phenomenon they are also introducing new issues into Arab societies— issues that can confront deeply rooted cultural values and raise legal and policy challenges. Changing demographic patterns of marriage in the Arab world reflect broader social and economic changes taking place throughout the region. Arab economies have increasingly moved away from an agrarian system which supported both early marriage and an extended family structure. The majority of the Arab world’s population now lives in cities and is involved in the industrial or service sectors. Arab youth are more educated today compared with previous generations and young Arab women are more likely to work outside their homes in paying jobs. These changes challenge women’s traditional roles in the household and society as a whole. (excerpt)