Jordan's fertility decline linked to marriage age
Professor of Sociology Dr. Ibrahim Al-Adra pointed out a noticeable decline in marriage cases in Jordan over the past ten years, despite the increase in the population from 9.5 million to approximately 12 million people. The number of marriages dropped from about 81,000 in 2015 to around 63,000 in 2024, representing a decline of approximately 22%. The rising age at marriage, which shifted from the 20-25 age group to the 30-40 range, is contributing to lower marriage rates. This trend is attributed to economic pressures, cultural shifts, and new priorities among youth such as education, employment, and travel. Experts confirm that increasing the average age of marriage may lead in the future to reduced fertility and changes in the demographic composition, with an increase in older age groups, impacting intergenerational relationships and societal structure. The year 2021 was an exception, experiencing a rise in marriage cases due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which facilitated marriage by reducing the costs of celebrations, although high expenses remain a major barrier. Experts are calling for a reevaluation of the marital institution and the reduction of social and cultural obstacles that lead to delays.
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