International Journal of Ethics and Society

fa A Narrative Exploration of Transformation of Moral, Social and Cultural Values among Generation Z in the Context of Marriage تخصصي Special Original Article <div style="text-align: justify;">Introduction: Unlike previous generations who adhered to a standard and predictable model of marriage, the modern world may offer new opportunities and ideas for marriage to younger generations. Some of these changes in the domain of marriage align with the overarching cultural master narratives of society and are widely accepted, while others may not be fully embraced but are nonetheless considered rational by some or even most members of the community. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of Generation Z’s (born between 1997 and 2012) attitudes toward marriage. Materials and Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design. The sample consisted of 29 male and female participants aged 14 to 27 from Tehran, selected through voluntary sampling. Data were collected using focus conversation conducted in focus groups. For data analysis, the study utilized Braun and Clarke's (2022) reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results: The analysis revealed six main themes related to marriage: “meaning-making of marriage,” “partner selection,” “traditional family roles,” “premarital sex,” “parenthood,” and “marriage customs”. Conclusion: Findings indicate that that while marriage, as a sacred institution, remains intact and continues to be regarded by Generation Z as an implicit reference point with social, cultural, and Moral legitimacy, there is an observable shift away from a singular, fixed concept of marriage. Instead, marriage is increasingly being redefined and reinterpreted as an institution shaped by dynamic individual preferences, with its meaning, role, and significance subject to ongoing reconsideration.</div> Marriage, Qualitative Research, Reflective Thematic Analysis, Master Narrative, Generation Z 40 55 http://ijethics.com/browse.php?a_code=A-10-352-1&slc_lang=fa&sid=1 Vahid Mostafapour vahid_mostafapour@atu.ac.ir 10031947532846003224 10031947532846003224 Yes Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Hossein Eskandari sknd@atu.ac.ir 10031947532846003225 10031947532846003225 No Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Borjali borjali@atu.ac.ir 10031947532846003226 10031947532846003226 No Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Faramarz Sohrabi sohrabi@atu.ac.ir 10031947532846003227 10031947532846003227 No Department of Clinical Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Asgari drmasgari@atu.ac.ir 10031947532846003228 10031947532846003228 No Department of Psychometrics, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran