The never-married, caucasian, American woman in mid-life...

Barile, C. (1999). The never-married, caucasian, American woman in mid-life as a departure from the stereotypes of the old maid spinster (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 1999). UMI no. 9987393

This phenomenological study explores the unconscious historical, cultural, psychological and familial factors affecting the older, never-married woman of today. The “baby-boom” generation of always-single women who have lived on the edge of societal change and transformation. The stereotypes of the single woman as spinster and old maid are outdated and archaic, yet they continue to permeate the collective unconscious of our culture. These single women have become a part of the shift in cultural thought that has freed women to pursue new paths and options in their lives. These new life choices come with a price of past social indoctrination that is not easily forgotten, and which still lingers in the psychological makeup of these women. Literature, media and social commentary have all influenced the single woman in developing an image of who she is in relationship to others in our society. Marriage no longer needs to be the ultimate goal for all American adult women, beginning the erosion of this particular patriarchal doctrine so ingrained in our Anglo-Saxon roots.

The participants of this study show a high level of self-confidence and self-esteem in being able to live a lifestyle that flies in the face of conventional social beliefs. The Jungian concept of individuation may be applicable to women who have had to face cultural stigmas in remaining single and who have been able to forge active, fulfilling and vital lives. Prior to the 1960's a stigma was attached to women who chose not to marry. The feminist movement encouraged a changing image of the single woman. The 1990's have introduced studies showing a majority of both men and women marrying in their mid-to-late twenties. People are experiencing far greater happiness as singles than in any other time in recent history. The exploration of adult singlehood as a separate life stage is becoming a reality.

There has been a gap in both clinical and research studies in understanding this growing life-stage population. This body of research is important in helping psychotherapists to comprehend their role in recognizing singleness as a viable life option and aiding their clients in believing that an unmarried status is acceptable.