Korean Journal of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회지)

Korean Association of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회)
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A study on the types of unmarried single women based on their subjective perceptions on single life

독신 여성의 싱글생활에 대한 주관적 인식의 유형화 연구

  • Received : 2013.10.08
  • Accepted : 2013.11.28
  • Published : 2013.12.31
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Abstract

In this study, we attempt to explore various possible types of unmarried single women. Main purpose of the work is to find out possible types of unmarried single women in terms of their subjective views on single life based on Q methodology. Q methodology is a research method to study and understand people's "subjectivity" or their points of view. Here, we applied Q methodology to unmarried single women's subjective evaluation of their own lives. Thirty-one Q-questions were prepared through literature review, and were offered to eighteen unmarried single women. As a result, the subjects could be classified into the following five different types: (Type 1) 'I love my work but I hate pressure (for marriage) from others', (Type 2) 'I feel anxiety and stress (on marriage) but I am still waiting for a true love of mine', (Type 3) 'My life is most important and I'd rather enjoy my single life without restraint from others', (Type 4) 'I am weary of continuing my single life, and now I really want to get married and form a family', (Type 5) 'I don't feel comfortable with dating, marriage life etc, I'd rather continue my single life with less stress'.

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