ABSTRACT
Background
Marriage timing in transitional societies is increasingly shaped by both enduring collectivist norms and emerging digital and individualistic influences. In Bangladesh, limited empirical research has integrated traditional determinants with social media exposure and psychological factors within a unified analytical framework.
Objective
Our goal was to examine how social media, family expectations, cultural pressure, psychological readiness, and career prioritization jointly influence marriage perceptions and timing among young adults in Bangladesh.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 406 individuals aged 15 to 54 was conducted using validated Likert-scale instruments. Stratified sampling ensured demographic representation. Analyses included t tests, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, Spearman correlations, and multivariable regression with false discovery rate correction.
Results
Social media significantly shaped marriage perceptions (ρ = 0.447, p < .001). Family expectations strongly influenced marriage timing (χ2 = 44.522, p < .001). Career prioritization was associated with delayed marriage (ρ = 0.272, p < .001), while greater psychological readiness predicted earlier marriage (ρ = −0.233, p < .001). Cultural pressure positively correlated with readiness (ρ = 0.396, p < .001). Gender, employment status, and income were not significant predictors. Findings remained robust after multiple-testing adjustment.
Conclusion
Marriage timing in Bangladesh reflects a hybrid decision-making regime in which traditional familial authority coexists with digitally mediated and individualized influences. Behavioral timing remains structurally embedded, while perceptions are increasingly shaped by social media and career aspirations.
Implications
Policies should integrate digital literacy, psychological preparedness, and family-level dialogue to support informed and autonomous marital decision-making in transitional contexts.