Sociological Study of Marriage Patterns as a Subject of Generational Conflict in Families of Clergy Students from the Children’s Point of View

Transitional position of Iran from tradition to modernity, set new conditions in terms of challenges between two generations. One of these challenges is in relation to marriage. Family plays an important role in marriage culture, and actively participate in it. Basically, marriage is interpreted as a family bond. In some eras, initially choosing a spouse did by family; and love marriage was limited. Such pattern has been modified over time. In this study, we seek a descriptive-analytical study of conflicts arising from marriage patterns between clergy parents and their children. Another objective of this study is to examine strategies and approaches employed in conflict resolution. This research utilized a qualitative and grounded theory approach to provide an accurate and detailed explanation of the generational problems within the clergy family. The data from this study suggest that confrontation between clergy parents and their children has three patterns: 1. Endogamy versus Exogamy 2. Haste in marriage versus delay in marriage 3. Marriage based on gerontocracy versus Marriage based on freedom. The following three strategies were identified in their children 's exposure to conflicts in marriage patterns: 1. confrontation strategy 2. Surrender strategy 3. secrecy strategy. According to this study, there is a multiplicity of educational resources as well as a difference between the discourse and epistemological system governing the thought of parents and children. Also based on the research data, children's experience of divorce and their family emotional relationships are highly influential in how they approach conflicts. Furthermore, we have found that parents' attitudes toward girls and boys differ dramatically, which could explain the exacerbation of conflict due to "gender" contexts. Results also note the role of “educational status” as a facilitator of communication, referred to as "facilitating communication".