Work

Beyond the voluntariness dichotomy: perspectives of singles regarding relationship formation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article focuses on the heterogeneity of perspectives of singles towards relationship formation. A framework-informed thematic analysis was used to comprehensively understand the reflective views on one’s singlehood status. As a heuristic framework, the ready–willing–able (RWA) framework captures the diversity and fluidity of these reflections to offer a more nuanced understanding than the traditional dichotomy of voluntary and involuntary singlehood. The study entails 40 in-depth interviews with singles. These interviews provided rich narratives which revealed the multifaceted experiences and perceptions of singlehood, highlighting the fluid nature of this status. The study contributes to the literature on singlehood by offering a multifaceted and fluid conceptualisation of singles’ experiences and perceptions, and it also provides a robust framework for future research in this area. The RWA framework is valuable for a more encompassing understanding of singlehood.

Source: Families Relationships and Societies

DOI: 10.1332/20467435y2025d000000072

Authors: Dries Van Gasse, Dimitri Mortelmans

Institution: University of Antwerp

Language: English

Topic: Family Dynamics and Relationships

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: H2020 European Research Council

Award: G8011051062