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Single Men
The Oxford Handbook of Singlehood
Swansea University Author:
Andrew Thomas
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Author accepted manuscript document released under the terms of a Creative Commons CC-BY licence using the Swansea University Research Publications Policy (rights retention).
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DOI (Published version): 10.1093/9780197826461.003.0017
Abstract
This chapter examines male singlehood through evolutionary and social frameworks, arguing that sex differences in parental investment and mating psychology shape distinct patterns of voluntary and involuntary singlehood. It first analyzes voluntarily single men, explaining how greater male preferenc...
| Published in: | The Oxford Handbook of Singlehood |
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| ISBN: | 9780197826430 9780197826461 |
| Published: |
Oxford University PressNew York, NY
2026
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71991 |
| Abstract: |
This chapter examines male singlehood through evolutionary and social frameworks, arguing that sex differences in parental investment and mating psychology shape distinct patterns of voluntary and involuntary singlehood. It first analyzes voluntarily single men, explaining how greater male preferences for independence, status striving, and sexual variety—rooted in evolved dispositions and amplified by modern environments characterized by social media, career prioritization, skewed sex ratios, and choice overload—make singlehood strategically appealing. The chapter evaluates short-term mating strategies, demonstrating how higher male sociosexuality interacts with contemporary anonymity and online dating to expand opportunities for some men while distorting expectations for others. It investigates why more men report involuntary singlehood, emphasizing women’s mate preferences for status and education, mating market imbalances, and men’s stronger reliance on romantic partners for emotional support. Finally, the chapter assesses dysphoric singlehood, the incel subculture, and emerging interventions, highlighting evolutionary-informed strategies to reduce misogyny, improve social competence, and strengthen men’s relational well-being. |
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| Keywords: |
single men, singlehood, parental investment, mating market, independence, sexual variety, online dating, misogyny, short-term mating, involuntary singlehood |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |