HarmsMarriage to Older Men
One of the most common types of marriages in the past two decades is the union of young women with significantly older men. This trend often arises due to changes in the dynamics of relationships between men and women in recent years.
The rise of relationships between young women and older men creates unions that conflict with the norms and traditions of Iranian society. In this section ofSelMagzwe will discuss the harms of marrying older men, so stay with us.
What are the reasons why young women choose to marry older men?
Reasons for the rise of marriages with middle-aged men
One important factor in marriage is having an appropriate age difference. However, nowadays, we see marriages where the age gap resembles more of a father-daughter relationship than that of a husband and wife. Forming a relationship with an older person contradicts the norms and traditions of Iranian society. Sometimes, young women enter into relationships with older men to fulfill financial needs and emotional voids, even when they are not necessarily divorced, widowed, or from lower social classes. In many cases, these young women choose to be with men who are considerably older based on their own desires.
Marriage with older men has significant repercussions for young women.
A woman who engages in a relationship with an older man should be prepared for various challenges, including having to cope with the opinions of those around her, the possibility of losing her husband at a young age, and managing family beliefs. These types of marriages have multiple reasons, which we will explore further in this section of SelMagz.
Young Women’s Desire to Marry Older Men
Reasons for Young Women Marrying Older Men
A Socially Harmful Relationship
Friendships with middle-aged men are a social issue affecting some single and divorced women and require families to be alerted. Some notable factors contributing to the rise of young women’s marriages to older men are loneliness, lack of affection at home, neglecting some ethical principles in their social interactions, delayed marriage age, and excessive and unethical strictness from some parents that sets unreasonable conditions for suitors.
Another reason why young women opt for these types of marriages is the intense need for support among some unmarried girls and divorced women, which leads them to struggle with their willpower and personality in rejecting potential male partners.
Factors Contributing toYoung Women Marrying Older Men
“Marriage” is an unsuitable way to alleviate financial issues.
Another factor driving women toward marriage with older men is the financial instability of young men, as they often find it extremely difficult to meet the basic requirements for marriage. Consequently, women lean towards men who can provide them with financial security and who have stable economic situations.
One of the issues leading girls to marry older or even married men is their serious economic problems, as their families struggle to afford a dowry. Thus, they marry men who are financially capable and for whom this issue is not a concern. Financial considerations play a significant role in marriage, but it is not a viable solution for resolving economic issues.
Economic Issues are one ofthe Reasons for Marrying Older Men
Young Women’s Goals for Marrying Older Men
Social Status Leading to Unconventional Marriages
Sometimes, girls choose to marry significantly older men to gain social status, as these men possess special societal positions. Young women’s awareness of the implications of such marriages can lead to more informed and conscious decisions.
A Woman Shares Ownership of the Man’s Wealth
When a young woman marries an older man, people often believe she intends to share his wealth and wishes to inherit all his assets after his death. While not all women have this intention, the majority of people tend to view it this way.
Young Women’s Marriages Due to Older Men’s Money
The Influence of Increased Satellite Films
One of the reasons for the rise in these types of marriages is the spread of satellite series and certain domestic films that promote marriages between younger women and older men. As a result, young women may choose to marry older men who can financially support their lives based on the models they see in these films.
Consultation Before an Incident Occurs
Marriages of young girls to older men can create age disparities and result in numerous social harms. It is advisable for families to seek counseling before such marriages occur, so they become more familiar with the potential consequences and challenges they may face.
