An Overlook on the Delay of Marriage Age in the Arab World

Women in Development and Peace

Many social customs contribute to the spread of spinsterhood in Arab societies. Among the most prominent of these customs is adherence to lineage, such as the requirement that a girl marry within the same tribe, or that a (noble) woman marry within the same social class. This custom aims to preserve lineage but narrows marriage options, according to an analytical study of the reality of delayed marriage age in the Arab world in 2014.

The study revealed a tradition practiced in most Arab countries that requires the eldest sister to marry before the younger ones, delaying the marriage opportunities of the others. This is a custom that has become obsolete and contradicts religious teachings, yet it hasn’t prevented Arabs from clinging to it despite the rise in apparent education rates.

The Concept of Spinsterhood

The concept of delayed marriage age, known socially as “spinsterhood,” refers to individuals remaining unmarried beyond the age considered suitable for marriage by society. According to Al- Muheet Dictionary, spinsterhood is defined as “the state of being unmarried.” However, for women, the word “spinsterhood” is used to refer to exceeding the traditional age of marriage.

The study mentioned that the phenomenon of spinsterhood is divided into two types: firstly, forced spinsterhood, which arises due to social or economic pressures that prevent a woman from marrying despite her desire. Secondly, elective spinsterhood, which reflects a personal decision not to marry without influence from external factors, often linked to reasons such as educational or career aspirations, the pursuit of individual freedom, or a personality type that prefers independent living.

In a related context, the Arab Gulf Center for Studies and Research (CSRGULF) revealed in a research report in 2022 the dimensions and consequences of the phenomenon of delayed marriage age, which has become a major social challenge in Arab societies. The report indicated that this expanding phenomenon directly affects fertility rates among young people, threatening a decline in the percentage of young people in the Arab population structure in the medium and long term.

The report specified the rates of spinsterhood and delayed marriage in several Arab countries, based on local and international estimates and statistics. Lebanese women recorded the highest rate of spinsterhood in the Arab world at 85% for the age group over 35. Tunisian women came in second at 81%, while Iraq recorded a rate ranging between 70-85%. The UAE recorded estimated rates between 70-75%, Syria reached about 70%, and Morocco increased to 60%, with a noticeable increase of about 20% over the past decade.

As for average rates, Jordan reached 55%, with a 10% increase over the past decade, Algeria 51%, a rate that has been stable since 2013, while Egypt reached 48%, with an 8% increase since 2013. Libya reached an estimated 35%, similar to 2013. Qatar ranged between 26-35% with low marriage rates and increased divorce rates. Kuwait ranged between 22-35% without accurate official statistics, while Yemen reached an estimated 30% due to conflicts and their consequences.

Among the Arab countries with the lowest rates of spinsterhood is Saudi Arabia, where the rate fell to 10% according to official statistics, compared to 45% in 2013 estimates. Other estimates indicate that about 40% of women over 35 are unmarried. Bahrain reached an estimated rate of about 25%, while Palestine recorded the lowest rate of spinsterhood in the Arab world at 12%, with a noticeable decline in early marriage rates.

Arab Reports

The report warns of the negative effects of delayed marriage on Arab societies, including declining fertility rates, education and work becoming priorities over marriage, and increased individual independence, especially among women, which may lead to changes in the structure of the Arab family. Therefore, the report recommended taking measures to support Arab youth and facilitate marriage by reducing marriage costs, providing economic and social incentives, and enhancing the youth’s occupational and psychological stability.

On the other hand, a 2017 report by Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics revealed significant figures regarding the rate of spinsterhood in the country; the number of unmarried individuals over 30 reached approximately 13.5 million (2.5 million men and 11 million women).

This led to the emergence of social campaigns related to marriage, such as the “(Let her remain a spinster)” campaign and subsequent counter-campaigns like “(Stay by your mother’s side)” and “(Let him rot ‘remain single’),” reflecting increasing social and economic tension surrounding marriage in Arab societies.

Recent statistics from organizations concerned with women’s affairs in Iraq showed a noticeable increase in spinsterhood rates; reaching approximately 70% of women of marriageable age. These figures indicate significant social and economic challenges affecting marriage prospects in the region.

Statistics from the International Labor Organization in Iraq revealed that only 14% of Iraqi women work outside the home, the lowest rate in the world. This statistic reflects the inability of Iraqi women to achieve financial independence, lacking a personal income source, hindering their ability to make independent life decisions.

Furthermore, 60% of Iraqi women have experienced violence from their husbands, a major factor contributing to high divorce rates and reluctance to marry in the country. These socio-economic conditions pose a significant challenge in improving women’s status, providing them with marriage opportunities, and enabling them to live stably.

Official Algerian statistics indicate that the percentage of unmarried women reached 51% of the total number of women in the country; approximately four million women remained unmarried despite being over 34, according to 2010 reports.

Similarly, Syrian media reports confirmed a rise in spinsterhood in Syria to 70% due to the ongoing conflict for years, in addition to the high cost of marriage, expensive dowries, and the high cost of weddings, further complicated by the crises resulting from the conflict.

A study by Jordanian sociology professor Dr. Ismail Al-Ziud, titled “The Reality of Spinsterhood in the Arab World,” showed that 50% of Syrian men and 60% of Syrian women have not entered into marriage, meaning the overall percentage of unmarried individuals in Syria is approximately 55%. These figures reflect the impacts of the ongoing war in the country, which has led to radical changes in social and economic life.

Spinsterhood in Yemen

The phenomenon of spinsterhood in many Arab countries, particularly Yemen, has become a social issue requiring in-depth research to understand its root causes and identify ways to address it. In this context, there is a growing need for accurate research studies to highlight the factors contributing to the prevalence of this phenomenon, such as societal views of women, prevailing tribal customs, and high marriage costs.

According to a previous study by researcher Shurooq Bamuqbil, Yemeni society’s view of women, in addition to the influence of prevailing tribal culture, plays a significant role in young men’s reluctance to marry women who have become involved in public life or work.

On the other hand, writer and political analyst Abdul-Bari Tahir believes that the problem of spinsterhood in Yemen is closely linked to issues of poverty and obsolete tribal customs and traditions, in addition to the country’s unstable economic situation. The lack of jobs and the difficulty of securing basic necessities make Yemeni youth more thoughtful and hesitant before deciding to marry, thus increasing the prevalence of the phenomenon.

Many activists and legal professionals emphasize the need to address this issue through awareness campaigns targeting society to raise awareness among parents and guardians about the importance of allowing girls to marry when appropriate conditions are met, according to Islamic law and the legal framework. Preventing a girl from marrying without a justifiable reason is considered an act contrary to Islamic law and the legal framework, and there are social and health consequences that may affect the girl’s future life.