""Singlism" is a term coined by psychologist Dr. Bella DePaulo; this is defined as the discrimination and stereotyping of those who are non-married (I prefer this to the term "unmarried"). I'm not a psychologist, but a lot of the assumptions Dr. Tanglen's colleagues made about her "freedom" are an example of singlism. Much of the loneliness the writer felt may have been a result of internalized singlism, which emanates from societal messages from our public discourse (media, business practices, even laws)"
"Examples: When I began my assistant professorship in a small town, a colleague exclaimed, "You're not married!?" when I responded "no" to the "are you married" question that many people love to ask when they meet you for the first time. Fortunately, I'm a tenured associate professor in an urban university where singlehood is much more common, and thus, less stigmatized, at least on a surface level. I've also built a brand out of writing about and advocating for equity for singles."
Singlism is defined as discrimination and stereotyping of non-married people, coined by Dr. Bella DePaulo. Assumptions about single persons' supposed "freedom" exemplify singlism and can produce internalized stigma and loneliness. Societal messages across media, business practices, and laws marginalize single and childless/childfree people, with particular impact on women. Personal experiences include intrusive questions about marital status and variations in stigma depending on geographic and institutional context. Advocacy and community-building, including writing and board work with organizations like Singles Equality, aim to level the playing field and promote equity for people who did not follow traditional marriage and childbearing paths.
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