Voluntary and involuntary singlehood: Salience of concepts from four theories

Abstract

Reconfiguring theoretical approaches is needed as growing numbers of adults are experiencing extended periods of singlehood. There is a central distinction in intentionality, which creates a voluntary or involuntary status. Voluntary individuals have chosen to be marriage‐free. Involuntary individuals wish to be cohabited/married but have been unable to do so. The purpose of this paper is to describe the linkages among characteristics of voluntary/involuntary singlehood and concepts from four theories (social exchange, symbolic interactionism, family development, chaos). These theories were chosen because they are commonly addressed in family science teaching and scholarship. They are used as conceptual lenses to guide relational or familial research, but there has been little attention to their potential linkages to singlehood. Given the voluntary‐involuntary distinction, linkages are drawn to each type. This paper highlights how four traditional theories can be bridged with diverse components of singlehood experiences.

Gender differences in the economic consequences of life‐long singlehood among older white U.S. adults

“…We hope future studies will identify ways that social institutions discriminate (explicitly or implicitly) against never married persons, generating recommendations for structural changes rather than individual-level adaptations. Although lifelong singlehood often is considered involuntary (Fitzpatrick, 2023), research concurs that older adults are much more likely than younger persons to be content with their status, and less likely to desire a romantic partnership (Brown, 2020). Never married older adults, especially women, often round out their lives with friendships and hobbies, and strategically use formal services to obtain the practical supports they may require (DePaulo, 2023).…”

Kaleidoscopic perspectives on theorizing singlehood

“…Conversely, involuntary singles desire to change their relationship status and enter into romantic relationships, with the assumption that they wish to be married. Fitzpatrick (2023) expands on this pathway perspective of singlehood by highlighting four common theories in family science and sociology. Specifically, she draws from social exchange, symbolic interactionism, family development, and chaos theories.…”