Partnering in the Middle East and North Africa

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, early age at marriage, arranged and child marriage, consanguinity, and low levels of divorce have traditionally been the main features of the family. However, the region has experienced many changes in the social and economic aspects influencing family in recent decades. The rise of education among women has led to changes in the transition to adulthood and partnering, and along with the practice of a modern type of marriage, the age of marriage has increased, family dissolution is on the rise, and parenting has been postponed. Despite contextual similarities, family forms and partnerships vary across the region. Using available data from UN agencies and published observational studies, this chapter examines the trends and patterns of marriage and partnering across the MENA region. First, demographic, social, economic, and cultural transformations in the region are briefly presented. Second, timing, continuity, type, and change in the family are described across countries in the region. Finally, the prospects of family and partnership are discussed.