Exploring the Role of the Muslim Family in Socially Preparing Children for Married Life: A Qualitative Inquiry from the Perspective of Family Reform Experts in Jordan

Abstract

This research explores the role of the Muslim family in socially preparing children for married life, from the perspective of family reform experts in Jordan. To achieve its objectives, the study adopted a qualitative research paradigm, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from a purposive sample of fifteen experts working in family reform institutions in Jordan. A thorough thematic data analysis was conducted to explore the main findings related to the research questions. The four main themes of social preparation for marriage that emerged were: the reality of the family’s role, the social causes of marital disputes, the areas of social preparation, and the proposed perception of the family’s role. The study yielded several important findings, including that the Muslim family institution suffers from significant dysfunction in terms of awareness and practice in preparing children socially for marital life. The research recommends enhancing the role of the family in socially preparing children for marriage by proposing educational and practical solutions, grounded in scientific methods and intellectual principles.