Armenia might be left without brides in 15 years

In 15 years Armenian men will not be able to find a bride or men with low

education and income will not marry at all.  The reason is a possible

deficit of females, as at the moment couples often prevent the birth of

girls, Aravot writes.

According to research conducted by the UN Population Fund, together

with the Armenian ministry of health and the Republican Institute for

Reproductive Health, the annual number of abortions connected to the gender

of the possible child reached 1400. The research shows that now boys are

born 15% more frequently than girls. At the moment there are 118-120

newborn boys for every 100 girls.

According to experts, this might cause severe problems in the future.

Adult men unable to find a wife at home will have to migrate, which will

result in the population decreasing. On the other hand, the situation will

stimulate the growth of prostitution. It can also strengthen female

exploitation and gender inequality, as there will be more pressure on women

to perform their reproductive function.

Sociologist Artak Sagatelyan says that the preference given to the boys is

connected to the low living standards in Armenia. Respondents explain their

desire to have a boy by the fact that girls would have problems finding

jobs, while a boy can at least go abroad, while girls will have to stay in

Armenia and adjust. In addition, it is believed that in the situation of

the undeveloped pension and welfare systems, boys will be taking care of

their elderly parents while girls will become a part of the other family after

marriage.