The Unrecognized Stereotyping and Discrimination Against Singles

Authors: DePaulo, Bella M.¹; Morris, Wendy L.²

Source: Current Directions in Psychological Science, Volume 15, Number 5, October 2006 , pp. 251-254(4)

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Abstract:

A widespread form of bias has slipped under our cultural and academic radar. People who are single are targets of singlism: negative stereotypes and discrimination. Compared to married or coupled people, who are often described in very positive terms, singles are assumed to be immature, maladjusted, and self-centered. Although the perceived differences between people who have and have not married are large, the actual differences are not. Moreover, there is currently scant recognition that singlism exists, and when singlism is acknowledged, it is often accepted as legitimate.

Keywords: singles; stigma; discrimination; stereotypes; relationships

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2006.00446.x

Affiliations: 1: University of California, Santa Barbara, and 2: McDaniel College

Publication date: 2006-10-01