Living Alone And Liking It (Press, 21 December 1987)

On 21 December 1987, a survey conducted by the Christchurch branch of the Society for Research on Women aimed to challenge societal stereotypes surrounding women living alone. The survey involved eight women, many of whom lived alone, interviewing 60 women from the Christchurch area, focusing on their experiences and perceptions. The interviews, which spanned from 1985 into the summer of 1986, were prompted by a desire to address misconceptions that women could not thrive without a male companion. The respondents' ages ranged from 22 to 86, with various backgrounds, including widows, divorcees, and never-married individuals. Notably, the survey found that while 121,416 women lived alone compared to 76,281 men, most women living alone were over 50, suggesting a demographic imbalance as men tended to die earlier. Many of the participants had faced financial difficulties, and while some were receiving sickness benefits or were unemployed, many were working or studying. The survey explored various aspects of their lives, including jobs, education, socialising, and how they felt perceived by society. The results were revealing: many participants rated their lifestyle positively, with a significant portion preferring to live alone rather than in marriage or with others. Contrary to expectations, loneliness was not a widespread issue among them; indeed, around 60% reported an increase in confidence due to their living situation. Additionally, three-quarters indicated that they had chosen to live alone, specifically citing happiness in their choice. The prevalent societal stigma, labelling these women as “husband bait” or “desperate for a man”, often led to condescension and negative treatment in social interactions. Despite this, the women expressed resilience, with many stating that they had moved past these judgments and embraced their independence. The research debunked the myth that women living alone must have pets for companionship, as many preferred the freedom of a pet-free lifestyle. Overall, the study provided valuable insights into the lives of single women, highlighting their preferences, challenges, and societal perceptions, ultimately affirming their choices and abilities to live fulfilling lives independently.

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