Singlism: the latest prejudice

Discrimination, according to dictionary.com, is the "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit." A person can be discriminated against because of the color of their skin, their gender, their sexual orientation, their religious affiliation or any other characteristic. However, there is one form of prejudice that most people are not aware of: singlism.

Singlism describes the prejudice faced by unmarried men and women who are thought to be of or beyond the age where marriage is appropriate. Brought to public attention in part by Dr. Bella DePaulo her recent book, "Singled Out," this prejudice may be the next to be banished by the courts.

Unfortunately, actions based on this prejudice extend beyond Great Aunt Ruth trying to set you up with every unmarried person she knows. DePaulo, in a summary of highlights from her book, says that "when married workers can add their spouse to a health care plan at a reduced rate, while single workers cannot add any other adult to their plan, singles are receiving unequal compensation for the same work."

DePaulo also adds that single people pay more taxes than their married counterparts, and gives examples of married people receiving "discounted rates on auto insurance, club memberships, and travel packages, while single people pay full price." As real as these slights against singles are, it is important to remember that companies do have reasons for doing this, and it isn't just to hurt unmarried people.

Society has long expected marriage to be a part of everyone's life plan. While this view is changing, many policies are still in place from when it was widely accepted as the truth. And as much as the prejudice exists in the workplace, it is even more blatant in social interactions.

Parkland students, when asked, have expressed different opinions on the prominence of singlism in society. One student, Evan Jones, says that, "It is the general idea that people shouldn't be single." This belief can be seen in the way society treats people who are unmarried and over age 40, or just not currently in a relationship. The basis for an ever-popular sitcom plot, and unfortunately common real-life scenario, some adults feel the need to try to set their single friends up with their other single friends, even if neither party is interested in dating.

Looking at things from a different angle, Parkland student Jason Neff points out that how people look at a single person depends on how often they are dating. "There's a stigma for single men that aren't going out a lot, people think there must be something wrong," he said. "But, those who go on a lot of dates are viewed as having a good life, especially by other men."

Neff points out that there is a double standard when looking at women. "Women who are single and going out a lot are viewed in a negative light," he said. The gender dichotomy of singlism does add another layer of complication to the issue.

Finally, a completely different opinion was given by student ToCorey Reed, who said, "I don't think there is a prejudice against single people. People choose who they want to be with. If they don't want to be with anyone, that's their decision." Reed's opinion on the matter shows that maybe singlism isn't as big of an issue as many people believe. Or at least that there are some people who don't feel any prejudice against those who choose to remain single.

While society is working on breaking down one more outdated prejudice, the most important thing is to ensure that you do your part to end discrimination against anyone and everything. If you're interested in more information about singlism, visit the website located at http://www.BellaDePaulo.com for some of the latest research.