UNVEILING THE NARRATIVES: HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE PHENOMENON OF DELAYED MARRIAGE AMONG WOMEN IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 17 highly educated women, aged 30 to 35, also examining the intricate relationship between their pursuit of higher education and the delayed marriages in Islamabad. Utilizing in-depth interviews, researchers collected the data through the purposive sampling technique. Findings revealed that women's motivations for seeking advanced degrees were multifaceted, encompassing aspirations for career advancement, personal growth, self-confidence, and economic autonomy, alongside a desire for community contribution. Their views on marriage evolved, with some prioritizing financial stability before wedlock, while others sought partners who aligned with their intellectual maturity and practical outlook. The study identified several contributing factors to delayed marriages, including the challenge of finding highly educated and compatible partners, societal norms that often discourage continued education post-marriage, and the burden of domestic and financial responsibilities. Ultimately, the research concluded that delayed marriage among these women is a complex outcome stemming from a dynamic interplay of individual ambition, shifting societal expectations, and practical life realities.