Solo-living among single women: A Phenomenological Study of Challenges and Strategies

Late marriage and the entry of unmarried girls into emerging adulthood and middle age have caused them to spend a longer period of their lives single, in the meantime, some girls are separated from their families due to voluntary or involuntary reasons to experience an independent life. This study aimed to identify the challenges and strategies of a solo-living lifestyle in single girls. The research method was a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach which is conducted in 2021-2022. Participants were 13 unmarried girls over 30 years old who lived in their independent homes in Tehran. Participants were selected by the purposive method through snowball sampling. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and interviews continued until data saturation. Data were analyzed based on the Glaser and Strauss (1967) approach. Dimensions of tendency in solo living, challenges, facilitation strategies, and attitudes toward motherhood have been found. Based on the results the path that has led to the experience of solo living as well as participants’ current situation toward living single by recognizing their challenges, facilitating strategies, and their attitude toward motherhood can be used in social, cultural, and educational planning.