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<p>While traditional relationships were defined by conventional gender roles, contemporary Australian society has witnessed significant shifts in relationship patterns, particularly in how young women approach and experience singlehood. Despite increasing acceptance of diverse relationship choices, defining singlehood remains complex and multifaceted, especially within the Australian context where changing social norms and digital technology create new forms of relationship ambiguity. Our research explores how young women in contemporary Australian society experience singlehood, exploring whether their experiences align with traditional, contemporary, or nuanced definitions of singlehood. Utilising an exploratory qualitative design, informed by social constructivist and feminist frameworks, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 10 participants ages 18–35 who identify as women and currently reside in Australia. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling via social media, flyers, and professional networks. Each interview lasted approximately 60&#xa0;minutes and was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and cross-checked for accuracy. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, revealing three themes: complexities in defining singlehood in an increasingly fluid landscape, the contradictory influences of traditional and social media representations, and the tension between experiencing singlehood as personal growth while viewing it as a transitional phase. The findings highlight how young women actively negotiate their single status within competing narratives, demonstrating both the persistent influence of traditional expectations and emerging forms of resistance through social media and changing social norms. However, our analysis reveals that singlehood operates as a sophisticated form of social regulation, where definitional ambiguity, contradictory media messages, and psychological pressure maintain traditional relationship hierarchies while appearing to support individual choice. Our research contributes to understanding how young Australian women construct and experience singlehood while navigating societal pressures and personal aspirations. Future research should focus on examining diverse cultural experiences of singlehood and investigating how digital technologies continue to reshape relationship experiences.</p>

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Flying solo: A qualitative exploration into the complexities of singlehood for young women in Australian contemporary society

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月8日

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  • Ms Kaylah Heta,
  • Matthew J. Phillips

摘要

While traditional relationships were defined by conventional gender roles, contemporary Australian society has witnessed significant shifts in relationship patterns, particularly in how young women approach and experience singlehood. Despite increasing acceptance of diverse relationship choices, defining singlehood remains complex and multifaceted, especially within the Australian context where changing social norms and digital technology create new forms of relationship ambiguity. Our research explores how young women in contemporary Australian society experience singlehood, exploring whether their experiences align with traditional, contemporary, or nuanced definitions of singlehood. Utilising an exploratory qualitative design, informed by social constructivist and feminist frameworks, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 10 participants ages 18–35 who identify as women and currently reside in Australia. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling via social media, flyers, and professional networks. Each interview lasted approximately 60 minutes and was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and cross-checked for accuracy. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, revealing three themes: complexities in defining singlehood in an increasingly fluid landscape, the contradictory influences of traditional and social media representations, and the tension between experiencing singlehood as personal growth while viewing it as a transitional phase. The findings highlight how young women actively negotiate their single status within competing narratives, demonstrating both the persistent influence of traditional expectations and emerging forms of resistance through social media and changing social norms. However, our analysis reveals that singlehood operates as a sophisticated form of social regulation, where definitional ambiguity, contradictory media messages, and psychological pressure maintain traditional relationship hierarchies while appearing to support individual choice. Our research contributes to understanding how young Australian women construct and experience singlehood while navigating societal pressures and personal aspirations. Future research should focus on examining diverse cultural experiences of singlehood and investigating how digital technologies continue to reshape relationship experiences.