Single, but not by Choice – On Deprivation of Relationships among Polish Corporate Employees

Abstract

In studying contemporary transformations of social relations and family life, researchers and social theorists have been focused on the increased diversity of forms of bonding, coupling and other interpersonal connections. When single people are discussed, either it is to emphasize the disintegration of their ties and the crisis of the family, or their single life is considered as an identity choice. The aim of this text is to look at the experience of singleness not by choice among contemporary corporate employees in Poland and to try to set this experience against the background of a broader social reality, especially the reality of professional work. The text also examines the relationship between relational forms (including being single) and the social system in late capitalism. The experiences of people who are not single by choice are discussed and contrasting variants for people whose single situation is associated with low interpersonal skills and for those with an interactional proficiency are distinguished. In the conclusion, the authors are looking for patterns of connection between being unwillingly single and operating on the late capitalist labour market.

Voluntary and involuntary singlehood: Salience of concepts from four theories

“…However, it is questionable how well this theory addresses some individuals' inability to change their status. For instance, Rosińska and Gońda (2019) reported that corporation employees in Poland were unable to change their work conditions in order to maintain the romantic relationships which they desired.…”

“…Rather, it is not workable for them to escape the obligations or circumstances which prevent them from being in such a relationship. If it was possible to escape or alter their demands substantively, some are anxious to do so (Jain et al, 2001;Rosi nska & Go nda, 2019).…”

“…Involuntary singles (hereafter “IS” or involuntaries) “have failed to create lasting relationships despite their willingness and attempts to do so. These people experience loneliness and not just living alone” (Rosińska & Gońda, 2019, p. 41). There are some who are on a pathway to marriage (Stinson et al, 2022).…”