Premarital Readiness and Gender Performativity: Exploring Attachment and Attitudes

Objective This study investigates the premarital readiness levels of couples applying for marriage, examining the interplay between marital maturity, marriage attitudes, and attachment styles through a gender-oriented lens. Background Marriage is a critical life transition influenced by socio-economic motivations and socially constructed gender roles. While premarital readiness is vital for marital stability, it remains under-researched in the Turkish context, particularly regarding how gendered “performances” shape expectations. Method A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing the Premarital Readiness Scale, Inonu Marriage Attitude Scale, and Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale. The sample consisted of 100 couples ( N = 200) recruited via random sampling at the Keçiören Marriage Registry Office in Ankara. Results Findings revealed significant gender differences in maturity dimensions; women scored higher in emotional and biological maturity, while men scored higher in economic and social maturity. Most participants (71% of women, 75% of men) exhibited secure attachment, which significantly correlated with higher readiness and more positive attitudes. Financial issues emerged as the primary premarital challenge, especially for men. Conclusion Premarital readiness is a socially and culturally constructed process rather than a purely individual trait. The study confirms that gendered scripts—reinforced by economic provision for men and emotional caregiving for women—continue to structure marital preparations. Implications Findings emphasize the necessity of mandatory, gender-sensitive premarital education programs facilitated by social workers. Such interventions should aim to deconstruct traditional gender hierarchies to foster more egalitarian and resilient marital foundations.