Description

This monograph examines the experiences and meanings
of contemporary spinsterhood for a particular group
of women in Britain. An increase in singleness is
an important aspect of recent familial
transformations. This monograph looks at changes
over time in singleness, not living with a co-
residential partner, and considers the significance
of partnership status in the context of wider social
change. Exploring life histories of never-married
single women, including mothers who opted into
solo motherhood via artificial insemination and
adoption, it consider continuities and changes in
relation to social networks and caring
relationships, education and employment experiences,
and gendered subjectivities. This exploration of
the actualities of contemporary women s lives
demonstrates that gender and partnership status
continue to structure the possibilities and
strategies available to women
in both the private and the public sphere. However,
their varying experiences also demonstrate
significant material and cultural changes, changes
which have profound implications for the practices
and discursive possibilities for contemporary
spinsters.