Self-Perceptions of Older Never-Married Women in a Fluid and Changing Asian Society: A Narrative Inquiry

• Main Authors: Manalo, Maria Tamara Isabelle M., Ng, Allyson Tracey R., Yu, Gianna Paige A., Ilac, Emerald Jay D
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2021
• Subjects: Philippines; unmarried women; self-perception; marriage; stigma; Family, Life Course, and Society; Psychology
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/psychology-faculty-pubs/332; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08952841.2021.1978804
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

As one of the strongly devout Catholic countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines recognizes marriage as a paramount social institution, where unmarried women face negative perceptions and social consequences. With the increasing populace of elderly people in the country, this study focused on the conditions of middle-aged (ages 45 to 65) never-married women and how the family-oriented society construes their self-perceptions. By interviewing 24 older never-married women over the age of 45, four key aspects were identified behind their lived experiences: interest in marriage, engagement in relationships, societal change, and ending in acceptance. Results open the discussion for social and individual implications.