A New Angle on Black Singles

Sociology Professor’s Book Offers Insight Into Lifestyles, Societal Constraints on Unpartnered Black Professionals

Kris Marsh is tired of being asked: “Why are you single?”

The question has followed the University of Maryland sociologist throughout her adult life, in gatherings with friends and family, and even after research presentations.

As a successful Black professional, the associate professor wondered why people focused on what she wasn’t—married—rather than her accomplishments. She knew, from both her social circles and her research on the Black middle class, that she was far from an outlier: In 2019, 45% of Black adults in the U.S. had never been wed, compared to 24% of their white counterparts, a gap that has widened every decade since 1960.

That’s why she decided to write a book on the growing number of her peers who are single and living alone (SALA). Called “The Love Jones Cohort” (referencing the 1997 romantic dramedy), the book seeks to paint a fuller picture of their lives, destigmatize singlehood and offer insight into the structural forces in the United States that contribute to the large number of Black singles.

“It’s a timely topic, especially post-COVID. A lot of people are having these philosophical conversations about why they’re in relationships,” Marsh said. “Let’s move beyond talking about dating practices of single people. I want to understand who they are, more thoroughly and fully.”

She interviewed 62 single, childfree Black adults—43 women and 19 men—ranging in age from 25 to 56, all from the D.C. metro area for the book, which is heavily researched but accessible for a lay audience. They had completed college, held professional occupations, and met or exceeded the median income for Black households; many owned a home.

Marsh asked wide-ranging questions, eliciting candid answers that are quoted throughout the book (“We have economic privilege, and that makes a hell of a difference regardless of race [but] when we go out into society, you feel Black,” said Kendra, 30. “We’re still in the ‘struggle’ socially.”) The conversations touched on whether their singledom was by choice or circumstance; their lifestyles, including careers and homeownership; their health and mental well-being; as well as strategies for creating relationships beyond marriage.

Main photo of Kris Marsh is by the E.T. Agency

Published on Fri, Feb 10, 2023 - 10:15AM