The single status has always been present in the society, but has not been talked about. People were either forced to remain single due to their occupation not allowing them to wed (e.g. teachers, priests), or it was the result of their life situation (Leskošek, 2002 Koropeckyj-Cox, 2005). Marriage and family remain the norm. A single man, even though incorporated in the society, is confronted with uncomfortable everyday situations due to certain stereotypes and prejudices. On the one hand, the media present the myth of a single man as a successful and happy individual in Western society, who develops and invests in his career, who knows how to indulge in pleasures and likes to spend money. But on the other hand, the common image of a man, who longs for a life partner and an unhappy and unfulfilled life remains entrenched in our society (DePaulo and Morris, 2005b). These stereotypes were also highlighted by the interviewees included in my research. However, none of the five interviewees identified themselves with either of them. Additionally, gender and the rules of masculinity and achieving this image play an important role behind the scene.
In this thesis, I researched the lifestyles of single men and also compared them based on their age. Furthermore, I was interested in their opinion about their single status, how much they accept it, where they see the benefits and the disadvantages, and what kind of support they have in their families and in their surroundings. I noticed a difference between the younger and older interviewees, especially in accepting the situation that was the result of their own choices or some other turning point in life. They all have good relationships with the primary families and feel support and understanding there. Contrary to other research show the marginalization of single men in the society, the interviewees in my thesis do not feel this or do not associate it with their marital status.
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