Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage Trajectories among Generation Z in Pakistan

Abstract

Marriage, divorce, and remarriage in Pakistan are embedded within sociocultural structures that emphasize family cohesion, gender based expectations, and collective identity. While marriage remains a highly valued social institution, contemporary social changes have influenced Generation Z's expectations regarding intimacy, autonomy, and emotional fulfillment. The present study explored the lived experiences of Generation Z individuals navigating marriage, divorce, and remarriage within the Pakistani sociocultural context. Using a qualitative research design grounded in Social Constructionism, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight legally divorced Generation Z participants who were actively considering remarriage. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Five major themes emerged: Marriage Ideologies in Generation Z, Idealized Expectations versus Lived Marital Reality, Emotional Suppression and Identity Erosion in Marriage, Psychological Impact of Divorce and Stigmatized Identity, and Post-Divorce Psychological Reorganization and Boundary Formation. Findings revealed that participants entered marriage with hybrid expectations that combined traditional beliefs with modern aspirations for emotional intimacy and equality. Divorce was experienced as both a psychological rupture and a socially stigmatized identity transition. Nevertheless, participants demonstrated resilience through identity reconstruction, boundary formation, and personal growth.