Love and Marriage in the Eyes of Gen Z: A Qualitative Exploration

Love and marriage are two interconnected concepts which serve as pillars of society. However, marriage rates are declining, and the perception of love changes with the newer generations. This study aims to explore the perception of love among Gen Zers in Sri Lanka and to understand the implications of these perceptions on marriage. A total of 11 participants who belong to Generation Z (age 18-26) were included in this study. Focus group and in-depth interviews were conducted to elicit the views on the related topic elements. This data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify the common themes presented within the data. Five main themes were constructed to explain the key ideas presented by the participants. Namely: Views on love, Relationship expectations and breakups, Views on marriage, marriage rates, and Role of culture. The results emerged showed that love is a crucial factor in marriage, especially in the newer generations because it has become a primary motivator towards marriage in contrast to past generations where marriage was considered a social obligation. However, the perception towards love has changed in the new generations, resulti ng in a decrease in marriage rates. This research offers valuable insights into the evolving concepts of love and marriage in newer generations, emphasising the need for further exploration to understand its broader implications to the society. Keywords: Perception of Love; Gen Z; Marriage Rates; Cultural Influence