Türkiye’s Young Generation Struggles to Build Families Amid Economic Crisis

This is the story of a generation trying to surpass the one before it—torn between uncertain opportunities abroad and the desire to stay rooted in their homeland. In today’s Türkiye, young people face a grim reality: skyrocketing living costs, youth unemployment, and a profound sense of hopelessness are eroding even the most basic dreams, such as starting a family.

Marriage and family, once the cornerstone of adulthood, have now become a luxury. The government’s apparent disregard for this crisis threatens to undermine Türkiye’s social fabric.

Divorce Rates Hit Record Highs in 2024

According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data, 187,343 couples divorced in 2024, marking the highest divorce rate ever recorded. While this rise partially reflects global trends, in Türkiye’s case, economic hardship plays a central role.

• 33.7% of divorces occurred within the first five years of marriage.

• 21.3% occurred between the sixth and tenth year.

These figures suggest that financial stress erodes trust and solidarity in marriages, contributing to emotional strain and instability.

Youth Unemployment: A Barrier to Marriage

Youth unemployment in Türkiye rose from 18.3% in 2015 to over 25% in 2023, placing the country in the same league as Brazil, India, and Mexico—but worse off than Russia or Indonesia. This economic stagnation deters young people from pursuing marriage or pushes them to delay it indefinitely.

Additionally, rising housing costs are a major hurdle:

• In January 2024, rents had increased by 72% year-on-year.

• As of March 2025, the annual rental inflation rate was 53.83%.

Debt, Credit Burdens, and Financial Fragility

The financial weight on young adults is mounting:

• Household debt increased by 740% between 2010 and 2023.

• Credit card debt alone surged to 270 billion TL by 2023.

• As of January 2025, the percentage of overdue credit card payments rose to 1.60%, up from 0.64% in early 2024.

According to ING Türkiye, 57% of the population carries debt, and 43% of that is credit card-related.

Economic Stress Is Fueling Family Conflict and Violence

A joint study by the Turkish Women’s Associations Federation (TKDF) and UNFPA reveals that:

• 73% of domestic violence victims are married.

• 95% of those subjected to economic abuse are women.

• Violence is most common in the 31–55 age group.

The psychosocial impacts of economic pressure on households are growing. Between 2012 and 2023, reports of child abuse more than doubled, rising from 7% to 18%.

Emotional and Societal Consequences

Marriage today is not just a legal or romantic decision—it represents stability, safety, and emotional trust. Economic strain jeopardizes this foundation, making it harder for couples to bond and sustain healthy relationships.

As divorce rates climb, young people are increasingly hesitant to marry in a society where economic uncertainty and family breakdown appear normalized.

A Call for Structural Reform: Family Year Must Be More Than a Symbol

Türkiye is now witnessing, for the first time, a generation doing worse than the one before it. The government’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family” could be a pivotal moment—but only if backed by bold action.

Policy recommendations include:

• Interest-free marriage loans

• Rent and housing subsidies for first-time marriages

• Dowry and child support grants

• Employment priority for young couples

• Tax breaks and utility subsidies for newlyweds

• Expanded parental leave and childcare access

• Psychosocial support services

Above all, officials must acknowledge that many young people are not marrying simply because they cannot afford to. If policies do not reflect this reality, the “Year of the Family” will remain a slogan—and family formation will remain a fading institution.