By Allison Strickland
Research team seeks “singles” for study
A research team from the Communications Department at the University of Louisville is conducting a study looking at what it means to be a single adult over the age of thirty. The team, which is made up of upper level undergraduate students, is led by Dr. Kandi Walker, Assistant Professor of Communications; and Associate Professors of Communications Dr. Joy Hart and Dr. Al Futrell.
The students are designing and executing this large-scale study in order to learn about the research process. Interviews will take place on campus.
According to Walker, the students “are currently collecting the data. They are working under the premise that research has shown that adults think about and communicate being single differently as they age.”
Research about singles usually involves younger people in their 20s. This study will research singles across the adult life span, from age 30 on up. It will observe communication patterns to help understand what singles think about being single, such as any benefits or disadvantages that come along with it, as well as the potential difficulties in finding a mate after age 30.
The study will look into whether changing communication patterns as we age change our views about being single. The issue of pressure of society will also be taken into consideration.
As the divorce rate continues to grow, more and more people are becoming single, particularly in the age group which is the focus of this study. “We don’t always think of being single in later life but the reality is that many later life adults are single,” said Walker.
A lot of attention will be on women and how dating later in life affects careers, children, and other aspects.
“We are seeing from the data that many women, especially in their 30s and 40s are expressing concerns that they feel an unfair stigma associated with being single,” said Walker.
The common perception is perhaps that older men who are single are viewed as “eligible bachelors,” while older single women are seen as “old maids.” Some women resent these labels, but realize that “singlehood” for women is becoming more accepted now.
The study will run through the end of November. For more information on the project and how to participate, contact Walker at (502) 852-8174 or by e-mail at kandi.walker@louisville.edu.
