Staying single in Kuching

Abstract

An increasing number of women seem to opt for a single life without ever been engaged in an official marriage. This social phenomenon may have been encouraged by certain factors such as a level of education that allows these single women to enjoy a good job and consequently, be independent in their livelihood. Moreover, being single is increasingly socially accepted, also in traditional societies with little, or no history of non-marriage. It may not be an exaggeration to state that lately there is a "trend" in single- hood. Increasingly, young women and men stay single by their own choice. But, did the never-married women in Kuching consciously choose to stay single? Various aspects that may have an impact on the lives of single women in Kuching have been investigated. These include their education, career, living arrangements and family ties. In contrast to the current wave of young and trendy single women and men, many of these older single women in Kuching are wondering why they themselves are not married. This presentation offers possible avenues of thinking about their single lives. Social and economic circumstances as well as a firm belief in their own fate may bring to light a better understanding of the lives of never-married women in Kuching.