Really?

[collacentaur]

I followed a link from popfiend to an article on spinster stigma which says pretty much what I expected. Researchers talked to thirty-plus single women (both number and age), and learned that:

* Dating gets challenging, because all the good men are already taken.
* It's embarrassing to still have to get up for the bouquet toss at weddings.
* Everyone else talks more and more about spouses and children, and there's nothing to say.
* Family members ask obnoxious questions.

Really? This is news? This needed a research study and is getting journal publication? Yes, folks, society is still predominantly made up of hetero married couples. Being different from the norm is no fun. Just ask anyone who's gay and trying to get some equal rights. But, yes, it's also not all that easy to be single, whether by chance or by choice. Yes, there is a social stigma, even if it's subconscious. I'm pretty damn sure that single men feel it too. Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't know this? Please, tell me this is not funded research.

Comments

[popfiend.livejournal.com]

They've researched methane production from cow farts, and the fact that people who are relationships with "hot" people are perceived as "hotter" so why would this surprise you?

:D

[tristam.livejournal.com]

As they say Steph, the plural of anecdote is not data. There is a lot of stuff that "everyone knows" that falls apart when confronted with statistical rigor. Besides, the sociology majors of the world have to make a living somehow.

[collacentaur.livejournal.com]

32 is not a statistically significant sample size, either.

[tristam.livejournal.com]

That depends on the statistical analysis you choose and the claims you want to make though I freely admit that a much higher number over a much larger area would be needed to be truly convincing. It is also not uncommon to have to do a small pilot project to get the preliminary data needed to convince someone to fund a larger one.

I'm not defending these people in particular you understand. I haven't checked them out enough for that. I'm merely pointing out that what they have done is not necessarily in the realm of the silly and pointless.

[collacentaur.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's not surprise so much as dismay.

Besides, they should have talked to me. I could have added a few things.

[daeron.livejournal.com]

Just ask anyone who's gay and trying to get some equal rights.

Why whatever do you mean (asked the guy sitting in a corner grumbling)

And that whole list of items applies to guys just as much as women. Just change "good men" to "good women" (Or leave it as is depending on sexual orientation) and change the "bouquet" thing to the Garter toss (which I avoid like the plague)