Marriage rates in the West have been declining, with a significant 61% decrease in recent years [69985168]. This decline is seen as a cataclysmic event, particularly in Britain, where marriage is disappearing. The article argues that the decline of marriage is detrimental to society, as it not only provides a stable environment for raising children but also serves as a domestic model for adults. The author suggests that relationships have become secondary to other concerns, such as utility and sexual appetite, leading to the replacement of marriage with cohabitation. Economic instability, changing gender roles, and a decrease in religious beliefs are often cited as factors contributing to the decline in marriage rates. However, the article challenges these explanations and proposes three controversial reasons: technology addiction, the redefining of the institution, and the absence of grace in modern marital relationships. The author concludes by stating that if marriage becomes extinct, it will lead to a loveless and unsustainable dystopia [69985168].
As the Chinese economy slows, an increasing number of wealthier individuals are opting to stay single due to poor job prospects, low consumer confidence, and high housing prices [2f03d06f]. This has led to a record slump in marriage registrations in 2022. The decline in marriages is concerning for policymakers as it is closely tied to declining birth rates and an aging population. President Xi Jinping has called for the cultivation of a new culture of marriage and childrearing to address this issue. Local governments have implemented measures to encourage new families, including tax deductions, housing subsidies, and cash rewards for marriages involving brides aged 25 or younger. However, many young Chinese still face financial pressure and uncertainty, making it difficult for them to afford marriage [2f03d06f].
Religious leaders in Iraq conduct thousands of unregistered marriages each year, including child marriages, violating Iraqi laws. Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report documenting the impacts of unregistered marriages on women and girls, highlighting the negative effects on their ability to access government and social services, obtain birth certificates for their children, and claim their rights to dowry, spousal maintenance, and inheritance. Over the past 20 years, child marriage rates in Iraq have been increasing, with 28% of girls married before the age of 18. Unregistered marriages serve as a loophole around legal restrictions on child marriage and put women and girls at risk of violence, adverse health consequences, and limited access to education and employment. Without a civil marriage certificate, women and girls are unable to give birth in government hospitals and may face complications during childbirth. The process to legalize an unregistered marriage is lengthy and complicated, discouraging many women from pursuing legalization. Iraqi law does not explicitly punish religious leaders who officiate unregistered marriages, allowing them to sidestep the law without consequences. HRW calls for the prosecution of religious leaders who violate Iraqi law and the facilitation of the legalization of unregistered marriages to ensure the protection of women and girls' rights.
Justice Anwarul Haq Punnun of Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered action to be taken against a Nikah registrar for registering the Nikah (marriage) of underage girls. The court made this decision in response to a petition filed by Azmat Bibi, who sought the recovery of her 14-year-old daughter. Despite clear court orders to prevent marriages of minor children, such marriages are still taking place. The court called for stern action to be taken against the Nikah Khawan (marriage officiant) and Nikah registrar who are not complying with the court's orders.
The increasing divorce rate in Pakistan is threatening the social fabric and family system. Reasons for the spike include financial instability, illiteracy, intolerance, domestic violence, misperception, changing socio-economic dynamics, women's financial independence, social media, interference of families, and a weakening connection with religion. In the past, relationships were based on kindness, truthfulness, and respect, and couples were able to understand and console each other despite being uneducated. However, modern standards have shifted the focus to material interests instead of spiritual connection, leading to the breakdown of marriages. Love marriages also often fail due to intolerance and self-centeredness. The youth lack proper education on the philosophy of marriage, which emphasizes the responsibility of both the groom and bride for a peaceful family. Western influences and changing norms have put this noble relation at risk. Extra-marital affairs, social media, and men's reluctance to take financial responsibility are contributing factors to the increasing divorce rate. Divorced women face social acceptance issues in Pakistani society. The urbanized phenomenon of increasing divorce ratios is attributed to women's financial independence and their ability to seek divorce or khula. Local organizations often promote controversies instead of tolerance and understanding among married couples. The article concludes by highlighting the need to revisit the terms of power purchase contracts to control rising electricity costs. [6be7f2bf]