Single Living Preference Increased: Eric Klinenberg's 'Going Solo' Explores Why More Individuals Opt for a Solitary Existence
In modern society, the trend of living alone has become increasingly prevalent, a topic extensively explored in Eric Klinenberg's 2012 book, "Going Solo". Klinenberg, a sociologist, professor, and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University, delves into the reasons behind this shift and its implications.
The book presents a wealth of research, including interviews and statistical data, to support its claims. It reveals that single-person households are attractive to various demographics, such as the unemployed, mentally ill, recovering addicts, and formerly incarcerated. However, these dwellings can lead to further isolation due to fear of judgment and embarrassment.
Greenwich Village in New York City was home to the first singleton community in the early 20th century, where the majority of residents lived alone. The area, with its appeal as a home for individualists, narrow streets, abundance of social spaces, and Washington Square Park, attracted the founding fathers and mothers of singledom.
Interestingly, Klinenberg's work suggests that solo dwellers often have richer social lives and stronger community connections than their coupled counterparts. This is in contrast to the common perception that living alone can lead to isolation.
However, the book also addresses the challenges of living alone, particularly the potential for isolation in old age and the need for supportive social policies. The number of adults living alone has increased dramatically since 1950, due in part to women entering the workforce and technological advancements. Elderly women, for instance, tend to outlive their husbands and are more likely to die alone. Many choose not to remarry or move in with family for a sense of independence and purpose.
Urban culture has deep roots in the trend of living alone as a lifestyle choice. Cities and communities should adapt to accommodate the growing number of single-person households. Changes should be made to support aging singles, such as developing social services to protect the elderly from isolation, improving nursing homes, making assisted living available to all, and adopting a more individualized way of living like Sweden's cooperative housing projects.
Living alone is often a choice that reflects personal freedom and empowerment. In competitive fields like banking, law, and medicine, living alone is seen as an acceptable way to advance career goals, as it reduces distraction and offers a chance to decompress. It also helps build confidence and a sense of autonomy, especially for young adults and divorcees.
Klinenberg's work offers practical insights for urban planners, policymakers, and individuals contemplating solo living. His other titles include Heatwave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago. The author suggests that cities and communities should embrace and adapt to the growing trend of solo living to foster a more connected and empowered society.
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