The Difficulties of Changing the Age at Marriage in Iran

The trend in age at marrige laws concerning age at marriage and factors leading to a low age at marrige in Iran are discussed. The Iranian Civil Code states that the marriage of females before reaching full age of 15 and that of males before reaching full age of 18 is forbidden. Nevertheless in cases where proper reasons justify it...exemption from age restriction can be accorded.... However law is rarely observed and earlier marriages are frequently seen in Iran particularly in rural and tribal areas. A great many exemptions are granted. Forces leading to early marriage in Iran include: 1) poverty which induces children to leave home; 2) Islamic teachings which are conducive to universal and early marriage; 3) dower paid by groom to bride especially for virgin girls; 4) creation of social and political bonds between families involved; 5) a history of subordination seclusion and illiteracy of women; 6) social isolation of sexes; and 7) family tradition. The level of education and economic variables seem to play most important roles.