Singlehood

Abstract

Single adults make up a substantial part of the population, with half of Americans currently identifying as single. There are three categories of singles, those who never marry, who are single through divorce, and who are single through widowhood. Many singles in the United States face stigma and pressure to become married and follow the ideal life course. Remaining single also plays a significant role in identity for many single individuals. There are some advantages to being single such as skill development and self‐reliance and also some disadvantages such as decreased sexual satisfaction, and for never married singles there is less integration into the community.