SINGLISM IN THE WORKPLACE: EXPERIENCES AND RESPONSES OF SINGLE PROFESSIONALS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

In the Malaysian society, singlehood is becoming more evident with the increasing rates of delayed marriage and non-marriage. As marriage is considered a complete transition to adulthood, single people are often perceived as inferior and subjected to singlism, including in workplaces. This study explores single professional men’s and women’s experiences of workplace singlism and the ways they respond. Using qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 men and 15 women, recruited through purposive sampling, this study examines how these single professionals experience workplace expectations and treatment linked to their single status. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicate that both men and women are disadvantaged by workplace policies, particularly in relation to medical insurance coverage, working hours and leave applications. They are often assumed to be available and therefore given more workloads. The analysis also reveals gendered nuances, with women more frequently receiving negative remarks about their single status and men more likely to be perceived as immature and overlooked for promotions. In response to negative interactions, single women tend to respond with mild resistance. In terms of organisational policies, both men and women feel they have limited power to challenge or change these practices.