Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Sociology

Date of Award

5-2008

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Leslie A. McCallister

Committee Members

Cynthia Burnley, Melissa Schrift

Abstract

In a patriarchal society where women are viewed as a weaker sex and are compelled by ideology and social norms to attach themselves to men through romantic relationships and the institution of marriage, how do never-married women fare? In particular, how do never-married women over the age of 30 navigate a social world where there is constant pressure to marry? This study explores the social experiences of never-married women over 30 residing in Eastern Tennessee. Thirty never-married women completed a structured personal interview and an online survey was completed by 14 never-married women (ages 30-45) currently residing in Eastern Tennessee. The structured interview and survey focused on key variables associated with the interpersonal relationships, identities, social perceptions, and internet-based social networking (MySpace, Facebook, etc.) of never-married women.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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