Chapter 10: Single but Not Singular: Exploring The Diverse Realities of Singleness in Indonesia

In a society that often elevates being married as the pinnacle of social status, individuals remaining unmarried in Indonesia are often unfairly marginalized. This societal bias against being unmarried may stem from a narrow perception that overlooks the diverse reasons of individuals remain single. Contrary to this misperception, research indicates that many unmarried individuals in Indonesia aspire to marry. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, this chapter endeavors to explore the multifaceted reasons behind marriage postponement in Indonesia, shedding light on both situational and dispositional factors. Drawing from contemporary literature, particularly studies published in the last two decades, this narrative-style presentation aims to unveil the complexities of the phenomenon, which illuminate psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors that intertwine to shape the experience of singleness. By emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the diverse experiences of singleness, this chapter underscores the need to combat social stigma and refrain from treating singleness as a homogeneous category.