Obviously I can't speak directly to this, but I think this is another offshoot of the traditional nuclear family bias that is being pushed by a certain segment of society. And boy are they out of touch...... the kids in my son's generation are possibly never going to return to the days of Ozzie and Harriet. I am not alone, but I have no problem believing that single people, particularly women, face systemic discrimination.
Just a thought: perhaps those that are not widowed or single yet can think about how they treat or stand up for single women they know. If waiting on the hopes that it'll never be you, the system and society cannot be changed to prevent it from happening to you.
I think your maybes about why you don't feel you've been discriminated against are huge valid reasons. Housing alone is one of Maslow's basic needs and huge to many.
Thank you, Sue. Since I grew up fairly comfortably, I too struggle with the notion of being discriminated against - but having never been married, it is 100% true that singles pay higher tax rates, and that the world is built for couples/families. The cost of being single over one’s lifetime adds up to A LOT and I appreciate what Singlehood AUS is doing, since there are so many of us!
In our patriarchical society, singles are disadvantaged. Men too, although not nearly as much as single women. Taxes for one thing...no dependents, no spouse: fewer deductions. Travel for pleasure...as a single, hotels will charge a single supplement. Buying a home...takes the same income as a couple in most scenarios. At the very least, you will pay the same mortgage payment if two or one just live there.You can buy smaller sizes at the grocery store..but bulk or larger sizes usually less cost.
Here in Australia, people talk about downsizing their home. The trouble is there’s nothing to downsize in to, especially if you are single and can’t afford to live in an apartment because of the body corporate fees or want to have a garden. Houses and townhouses are being built but they’re all family homes with 3+ bedrooms. Nothing is being built with 1 - 2 bedrooms.
Went to a country house today and noticed that annual entrance ticket for two people is £88. For one person it's £51.
This is repeated in many other areas of life: singles have one income but pay more than half what a couple pays. I have a campervan. I have to pay the same for a pitch as do a family in a much larger motorhome, using a great deal more of the amenities. Council tax: single person gets 25% reduction. Not 50%. No doubt these and similar situations can be economically justified. The fact remains we are disproportionately disadvantaged. The percentage of our income paid out for rent and other household bills is much higher than that of a dual income home.
(Just a mention that being single can also arise from divorce as well as the reasons mentioned)
You are so right. Thank you for sharing this. These are all very real examples of the "singles penalty" people experience. Not to mention all the "family rates" we are not eligible for.
When I was a single person, I was definitely aware that married couples had tax benefits that I did not have. Admittedly, that was quite some time ago, but I have not forgotten that I found it unfair. My second comment is as a married person whose spouse is a grain farmer. Among the other farm men, I am known as “Paul’s wife.” Their wife’s are known similarly as “_,s wife” by my husband. I am constantly telling my husband the names of the wives, but nothing changes! In so many ways, the old rules reign!
Indeed, the old rules do remain. I remember when married women were referred to as Mrs. [husband's name] Jones, as if their own names were no longer valid.
Obviously I can't speak directly to this, but I think this is another offshoot of the traditional nuclear family bias that is being pushed by a certain segment of society. And boy are they out of touch...... the kids in my son's generation are possibly never going to return to the days of Ozzie and Harriet. I am not alone, but I have no problem believing that single people, particularly women, face systemic discrimination.
Just a thought: perhaps those that are not widowed or single yet can think about how they treat or stand up for single women they know. If waiting on the hopes that it'll never be you, the system and society cannot be changed to prevent it from happening to you.
I think your maybes about why you don't feel you've been discriminated against are huge valid reasons. Housing alone is one of Maslow's basic needs and huge to many.
Thanks for bringing up the topic.
Thank you, Sue. Since I grew up fairly comfortably, I too struggle with the notion of being discriminated against - but having never been married, it is 100% true that singles pay higher tax rates, and that the world is built for couples/families. The cost of being single over one’s lifetime adds up to A LOT and I appreciate what Singlehood AUS is doing, since there are so many of us!
In our patriarchical society, singles are disadvantaged. Men too, although not nearly as much as single women. Taxes for one thing...no dependents, no spouse: fewer deductions. Travel for pleasure...as a single, hotels will charge a single supplement. Buying a home...takes the same income as a couple in most scenarios. At the very least, you will pay the same mortgage payment if two or one just live there.You can buy smaller sizes at the grocery store..but bulk or larger sizes usually less cost.
All so very true.
Here in Australia, people talk about downsizing their home. The trouble is there’s nothing to downsize in to, especially if you are single and can’t afford to live in an apartment because of the body corporate fees or want to have a garden. Houses and townhouses are being built but they’re all family homes with 3+ bedrooms. Nothing is being built with 1 - 2 bedrooms.
That's so frustrating.
Very similar here, Karen.
Went to a country house today and noticed that annual entrance ticket for two people is £88. For one person it's £51.
This is repeated in many other areas of life: singles have one income but pay more than half what a couple pays. I have a campervan. I have to pay the same for a pitch as do a family in a much larger motorhome, using a great deal more of the amenities. Council tax: single person gets 25% reduction. Not 50%. No doubt these and similar situations can be economically justified. The fact remains we are disproportionately disadvantaged. The percentage of our income paid out for rent and other household bills is much higher than that of a dual income home.
(Just a mention that being single can also arise from divorce as well as the reasons mentioned)
You are so right. Thank you for sharing this. These are all very real examples of the "singles penalty" people experience. Not to mention all the "family rates" we are not eligible for.
When I was a single person, I was definitely aware that married couples had tax benefits that I did not have. Admittedly, that was quite some time ago, but I have not forgotten that I found it unfair. My second comment is as a married person whose spouse is a grain farmer. Among the other farm men, I am known as “Paul’s wife.” Their wife’s are known similarly as “_,s wife” by my husband. I am constantly telling my husband the names of the wives, but nothing changes! In so many ways, the old rules reign!
Indeed, the old rules do remain. I remember when married women were referred to as Mrs. [husband's name] Jones, as if their own names were no longer valid.