FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LOW INTEREST IN MARRIAGE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

This study analyzes young people’s views of marriage and the factors influencing low interest in marriage in Medan Johor District. It employed a qualitative field research approach. Data were obtained through interviews and documentation involving 12 informants aged 19–25 years who resided in Medan Johor District and were selected purposively. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that informants generally viewed marriage positively as worship, a sacred bond, and a means of establishing a harmonious family. Nevertheless, they considered readiness more important than age when determining the appropriate time to marry. Low interest in marriage was primarily influenced by unstable economic conditions, living costs, and concerns about meeting future household needs. Other factors included mental and emotional readiness, education, employment and career orientation, family experiences, social environment, and exposure to social media narratives concerning conflict, divorce, infidelity, and domestic violence. The findings confirm that postponing marriage does not represent rejection of marriage as an institution; rather, it reflects young people’s strategy to attain multidimensional readiness before establishing a household. Such readiness