Single Women: Empowering the Nation

In a groundbreaking and provocative work, Rebecca Traister, a finalist for the National Magazine Award and considered by Anne Lamott to be "the most brilliant voice on feminism in this country," explores the history of unmarried women in America who have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation through social, political, and economic means.

For many women, being single is not a newsworthy event, but rather a way of life. In 2009, award-winning journalist Rebecca Traister embarked on a project that would eventually become All the Single Ladies. Originally intended as a piece of contemporary journalism, the book delves into the 21st-century phenomenon of American women who remain unmarried. This trend began to gain momentum as the percentage of American women who were married fell below 50%, and the age at which women typically married rose from 20-22 to 27.

Through extensive research and over 100 interviews with academics, social scientists, and influential single women, Traister uncovered a surprising revelation: the concept of single women in America is not a recent development. In fact, historical evidence shows that when women had the option to delay or forgo early heterosexual marriage, it often led to significant social changes such as temperance, abolition, and increased access to education.

Currently, only 20% of Americans are married by the age of 29, in stark contrast to the nearly 60% who were married in 1960. This trend has been described by the Population Reference Bureau as a "dramatic reversal." All the Single Ladies provides a detailed examination of contemporary American life and the factors that have influenced the rise of single American women. Touching on issues of race, class, and sexual orientation, the book features engaging anecdotes from both modern and historical figures.

Well-researched, thoughtfully written, and infused with Traister's trademark wit and insight, All the Single Ladies promises to be a staple in the realm of social history and journalism. It is a must-read alongside other notable works such as Gail Collins' When Everything Changed.

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