Work

Home alone: solo living pathways, everyday experiences and policy implications for sharing and sustainability

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The rise of solo living presents significant social and environmental challenges, particularly in high-income countries like Denmark where nearly half of households are single occupancy. This study explores the social dynamics driving the trend towards living alone through in-depth interviews with 23 individuals living alone in Denmark. Pathways to solo living include urban relocation, aging out of shared housing, empty nests and solitude-seeking. Gender differences emerge, with women viewing solo living as emancipatory, while men express more stigma. Many participants experience loneliness and lower social capital. Notably, many solos live alone unintentionally and are open to future shared living. These findings suggest potential for policy interventions to promote shared living as a promising approach for reducing carbon footprints while enhancing social wellbeing.

Source: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

DOI: 10.1057/s41599-026-06674-6

Author: Tullia Jack

Institutions: Lund University, Aalborg University

Language: English

Topic: Collaborative and Sustainable Housing Initiatives

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,890