Single and happy: what drives women to choose freedom?

Women are challenging norms and redefining what it means to be happy, prioritizing other aspects of their lives

Historically, getting married and starting a family have been women’s primary goals, often encouraged by family and social pressures. According to a survey conducted by Stanford University in the United States, 68% of people still associate a woman’s marital status with her personal fulfillment.

This concept, perpetuated for generations, still influences the way people view women who choose the single life. In recent years, however, women have challenged the norms and redefined what it means to be happy, prioritizing other aspects of their lives such as education, career, and emotional well-being.

To understand this scenario, pedagogue Claudia Petry and psychologist Monica Machado highlight the reasons that have led women to remain single, freeing them from social impositions that no longer belong to them. See below:

Changes in family conventions

While there is still pressure to follow social standards, a survey by dating app Bumble showed that one in three women (37%) are not interested in reaching these conventional milestones, and that 69% of them are looking for a long-term relationship, while only 10% want marriage.

“As women choose to forge their own path, there is a decline in this vision that not only limits their qualifications, but also affects the way many women see their lives and their choices,” explains Claudia.

Financial independence

A study conducted by Avon, in collaboration with Instituto Locomotiva, showed that 62% of single women say that the decision not to have a serious relationship is directly linked to the desire to maintain their independence.

Additionally, 54% cite the search for financial and emotional stability as a reason for staying single. “Female empowerment has led many women to question and challenge traditional gender roles, which associated female success with marriage and motherhood,” Monica points out.

Career Focus

Also according to the Avon survey, 72% of single women declare themselves satisfied with their condition, stating that the status allows them greater freedom to focus on personal and professional goals.

According to Claudia, the challenge of balancing personal life and career leads some to prioritize professional growth before committing to a serious relationship or starting a family.

“This movement is strengthened by greater control over reproductive health, which allows women to better plan their lives and decide when and if they want to get married or have children,” says the educator.

Physical and mental self-care

In the Bumble survey, appreciation for self-care and mental health led women to adopt “slow encounters“, prioritizing quality over quantity in dating. According to the research, nearly a third (30%) of women actively seek out people who value both time and self-care.

“This includes escaping toxic or abusive relationships. It’s no surprise that, according to a study by the Perseu Abramo Foundation, 48 percent of women prefer being alone rather than submitting to oppressive relationships,” says psychologist Monica Machado.

Bumble’s research reinforces this scenario: 34% of women say they only want to date someone who isn’t trying to change them; and 77% believe it’s essential for their partners to understand both emotional and physical intimacy.

“The current scenario reflects a significant cultural change, where women have started to claim greater autonomy over their lives, demonstrating that being single is not a condition of failure to be overcome, but a deliberate choice with the aim of seeking new narratives for one’s life”, concludes Claudia Petry.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.