Where is Mr right? : the lived experience of single women in Malta

Abstract

The number of single women is on the increase as the prospect of not marrying is becoming more popular, however the idealism of marriage and family still retains strong roots, particularly in the Maltese context. This study will examine the lived experience of single women in Malta aged 28-40 which had been previously unexplored. Five single women were interviewed and their experience was recorded through an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results suggest that their experiences were marked by some internal conflict, induced by certain social situations. However, as single women mature they come to value their status as it causes them to become more independent and self-determined.