The Role of Marital and Family Sustainability in Achieving Environmental and Social Development Goals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17311151Keywords:
Social sustainability, marital stability, couples, sustainable development, environmentAbstract
Social sustainability, as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, relies heavily on the continuity and stability of family life. The present study, employing a causal-comparative approach, seeks to explore the determinants of marital stability among couples with and without children after ten years of shared life, and to highlight the role of these determinants in strengthening the social dimension of sustainable development. The statistical population included couples from districts 5, 9, and 11 of Mashhad city, selected due to their cultural diversity. A total sample of 300 participants was chosen through purposive sampling among couples referring to counseling centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with PLS software. Findings revealed that among couples with children, the variable of “childbearing” (0.942) was the strongest determinant of marital stability, emphasizing the crucial role of children in marital resilience. Other significant factors included “economic conditions” (0.812), “social reputation” (0.717), and “family relations” (0.619). In childless couples, the most influential variables were “preference for collective over individual interests” (0.856), “economic factors” (0.811), “mutual interaction” (0.673), “life attitude” (0.543), and “commitment” (0.409). These results indicate that the determinants of family stability not only ensure individual health and well-being but also serve as indicators of social sustainability, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Accordingly, the findings of this research can provide valuable insights for policymakers in strengthening family foundations and enhancing social sustainability within Islamic societies.
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