Reimagining Singlehood in Urban India Through Intersectional Narratives and Support Systems: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

The research explores the complex landscape of singlehood in India; it focuses on the experiences of single women in a society where marriage is a deeply ingrained social institution. Challenging traditional norms, an increasing number of women are choosing to remain single, a decision with significant personal and social implications in a collectivist society that prioritizes familial expectations over individual choice. While societal pressures to conform affect both men and women, this study specifically examines single women's experiences. This study uses an intersectional approach to understand how different factors like gender, class, age, and life circumstances shape these experiences. It analyzes how economic independence, workforce participation, and a stronger emphasis on individual identity have reshaped the social landscape for single women, despite persistent stigmas and challenges. It highlights the agency of single women in navigating social expectations and aims to provide a nuanced understanding of their multifaceted experiences in India.