Through the Lens of Solitude: Capturing the Realities of Singlehood Stigma Among Women

Cutie Bacubas Canesares; Ivana Jae Bitangcol; Kyne Castaneda; Danielle Kate  Fontamillas; Danielle Rich Quilas

Authors

Cutie Bacubas Canesares Adventist University of the Philippines
Ivana Jae Bitangcol Adventist University of the Philippines
Kyne Castaneda Adventist University of the Philippines
Danielle Kate Fontamillas Adventist University of the Philippines
Danielle Rich Quilas Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

singlehood, stigmatization, women empowerment, photovoice, phenomenon

Abstract

Singleness is a phenomenon that has gained popularity and acceptance over the past few years, as evidenced by the growing trends in many societies. However, many single women in the Philippines belonging to the age group of 30-35 remain stigmatized. In hopes of comprehending their intriguing situation, the researchers delved into their personal narratives using Photovoice methodology. Using purposive sampling, six participants were chosen based on their age range (30–35), duration of singleness status (at least 5 years), and period of residing time in the Philippines (since age 19 and beyond). They were grouped into three pairs according to geographic proximity and were instructed to select five photos that would most accurately reflect their answers to the questions on their 1) perceived and internalized stigma, and 2) ways of seeking empowerment to counteract it. After the selection of photos, thematizing was done using the PHOTO Analysis framework. The themes for their perceived and internalized stigma were: (a) Lonely, (b) Incomplete, (c) Unpreferred and Unattractive, (d) Two is Better than One, and (e) Envious but Choosy. Meanwhile, four themes that pertain to participants' ways to seek empowerment in their singleness were: (a) Finding Direction from God and Church, (b) Fostering Friendship, (c) Reading Books, and (d) Recognizing Self-Worth. The researchers recommend future researchers to conduct longitudinal studies to gauge shifts in attitudes toward singleness and comparative analysis to examine varying levels of stigma and identify factors that contribute to their similarities and differences.

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