Solo-Living and Social Individualization

Analysis of Life Experience among Young Women in Spain

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2392234
AutoresCarmen Rodríguez Guzmán (0000-0003-2912-7606, Universidad de Jaén, autor de correspondencia), Carmen Rodríguez-Guzmán (Universidad de Jaén), Francisco Barros Rodríguez (0000-0002-3528-0511, Universidad de Granada), Inmaculada Barroso Benítez (Universidad de Jaén), Inmaculada Barroso-Benítez (Universidad de Jaén), Antonio D Cámara (0000-0002-6199-1106, Universidad de Jaén), Antonio David Cámara-Hueso (Universidad de Jaén)
Año2023
Volumen28
Número3
Páginas609-626
Fecha de publicación2023-09-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSociological Research Online (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1360-7804 • E-ISSN: 1360-7804
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13607804211069401
OpenAlexW4210508614
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas21

The increase in one-person households is regarded as a manifestation of the process of social individualization that strengthens individuals' ability to make lifestyle choices to the detriment of certain social institutions. However, the background circumstances to solo living can vary widely and often stem from structural determinants, such as gender inequalities, within the framework of a highly competitive society. This article analyses the nature and social significance of solo-living in Spain through a case study of young adult women (25-45 years of age) residing in an urban environment (Barcelona and Jaen). The analyses focus on aspects connected with the theory of social individualization (e.g. the demands of working life and expectations regarding life partners, motherhood and social relations). Four different profiles of women can be distinguished in the results: 'cosmopolitans', 'unconditionals', 'empowered', and 'temporaries'. In broad terms, the interviewees' narratives bear witness to the process of individualization (self-realization with which to engage in a personal life project), although tensions come into play between personal expectations and the demands of working life, especially in the spheres of sexual partnership and motherhood

General partnership · Narrative · Political science · Sociology · Witness · Gender Studies · Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics