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A couple takes a commemorative photo in front of the statue of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. / EPA, Yonhap News

An analysis shows that marriage and family dynamics are shifting in Kazakhstan, marked by a growing number of middle-aged marriages alongside a clear trend among the younger generation in their 20s and 30s to delay or avoid tying the knot altogether.

On July 14, Tengrinews, a local news outlet, reported data from the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan showing that over the past five years, marriages among men aged 45 to 54 rose by approximately 50%, while those among women in the same age group surged by over 75%.

The overall number of marriages last year stood at 115,900, representing a roughly 22% decline compared to 2015. While the downward trend continues, a closer look reveals that first marriages are on the decline, whereas remarriages are on the rise.

An increasing number of single or divorced middle-aged individuals are registering marriages to find new life partners. Last year, about one in five registered marriages involved individuals who had previously gone through a divorce.

Meanwhile, a growing sentiment among the younger generation in their 20s and 30s is that marriage is no longer an essential milestone in life. With rising economic burdens—such as housing and wedding costs—coupled with the increasing financial independence of women, staying single is emerging as a new social norm for younger people.

Some analysts point out that social media and online dating culture are also reshaping views on marriage. Experts suggest that dating apps and social platforms have raised expectations for an ideal partner while causing people to view relationships more like consumer goods.

Traditional family values are shifting as well. While large, extended families were once the norm, nuclear families have become more common recently, bringing a new family model to the forefront that values equal roles between spouses and the pursuit of individual happiness.

Experts view these developments as a reflection of changing societal values. Alena Guglya, head of a matchmaking agency, analyzed, "The younger generation prioritizes their careers and self-development, so they are in no hurry to marry. On the other hand, those in their 40s and beyond experience a renewed desire for companionship and emotional stability, leading to a rise in people seeking new spouses."

Psychologist Natalya Kim explained, "While those aged 40 and older view family as a vital pillar of support in life, those in their 20s and 30s tend to prioritize personal freedom and self-actualization. This is pushing back the age of marriage, with more people choosing to enter stable relationships later in life after gaining more life experience."

                                                                                                             Kim Min-gyu