The growing and common practice in developing countries such as Iran of postponing fertility until the third and fourth decades of life increases the risk of involuntary childlessness or having children less than desirable. T For this reason, there is a need to investigate the reasons for low fertility in this province. The aim of this study is to identify the reasons for low fertility in Markazi Province.

The data of this qualitative study were collected through in-depth interviews and the content analysis method was used to analyze the data. With the help of purposive sampling and theoretical saturation criteria, 25 interviewees were interviewed and finally the collected data were coded and analyzed in the form of three overarching themes and eight organizing themes.

The results of the study showed that three categories of overarching themes in the form of reasons for the change in the structure and pattern of family formation (with organizing themes of delayed transition to adulthood and shrinking family dimensions), reduced family functional capacity (with organizing themes of decline in family educational capital and generational disconnection and reduced kinship support), and changes in cultural values and meanings (with organizing themes of rationalization of fertility decisions, priority of individual identity over family, decline in trust and security, and convergence with Tehran culture) in the family sphere are among the important reasons for low fertility in Markazi Province.