TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal
Vol 4 No 8 (2025): #2

Marriage Decision Making For Unmarried Career Women

Murti, Vanessa Jasmine (Unknown)
Soleh Amini (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The phenomenon of marriage postponement among career women is increasing in Indonesia, with 17.18% of women choosing to marry at age 25 and above (BPS, 2024). This study aims to describe the marriage decision-making process among career women based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The research employs a qualitative phenomenological approach with four career women informants aged 21-28 years who have worked for at least one year. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Miles and Huberman's (1994) model. The findings reveal: (1) in terms of attitude toward behavior, career women position their careers as a foundation for independence before marriage with varying readiness based on career stages; (2) in terms of subjective norm, all informants face social expectations but are able to negotiate them through various strategies; (3) in terms of perceived behavioral control, mental and financial readiness are key factors with barriers including demanding work schedules. The study concludes that a paradigm shift has occurred where marriage is no longer viewed as the only path to happiness, but rather a life choice requiring careful consideration. Modern career women possess strong agency in determining marriage timing according to personal and professional conditions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

journal

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

TOFEDU Journal is a scientific journal related to research results, conceptual studies, critical/comprehensive studies in the field of education. The results of the work of the researchers are expected to make a positive contribution in the field of education in order to achieve equitable, inclusive ...