How did migration and urban life change family structure in Tehran?

In Tehran, the transition from an agrarian-based economy to one centered on industry and services significantly altered family structures. By the early 21st century, the nuclear family had largely replaced the traditional extended family as the primary unit of society.1

Several factors drove this shift:

• Economic Changes: As the economy moved away from agriculture, the necessity for large, extended family units diminished. High land prices and government housing policies further encouraged the development of smaller dwelling units, which favored nuclear families.1
• Migration Patterns: Younger families frequently migrated to the city for work, often leaving older generations behind. This migration, combined with the economic shift, contributed to a decrease in average family size to about four members.1
• Social Evolution: The emphasis on the nuclear family was accompanied by broader social changes, including an increase in the average age of first marriage and a rise in the divorce rate.1

Despite these structural changes, kinship networks remain vital as support systems and loci of socialization, helping individuals navigate economic and social hardships in the urban environment.12