Ranking of Social Factors Affecting Permanent Singlehood Among Women Aged 40-50

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the social factors influencing permanent singlehood among women aged 40-50 living in Tehran. This applied study utilized a survey research method. The statistical population consisted of all single women aged 40-50 residing in districts 3, 10, and 19 of Tehran, from which a sample of 381 individuals was selected using Cochran's formula. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed via the KMO index and Bartlett’s test (KMO=0.801, sig=0.000), and reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α=0.788). Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results indicated that the most significant social factor influencing permanent singlehood was women’s employment and career advancement, as the item "Finding a job after university was very important to me." had the highest mean score (4.13). Furthermore, social attitudes toward employed and educated women had improved, with 49.4% of respondents believing that educated women are perceived as more successful in society. Conversely, items such as "Married female relatives envy my singlehood" and "Marriage limits my social activities" had the least impact on permanent singlehood. The findings suggest that in contemporary society, education and employment have become primary indicators of success for women, influencing attitudes toward marriage and reducing social pressures associated with permanent singlehood. However, certain socio-cultural challenges for single women persist, necessitating further examination and policy reforms.