bachelorhood

Bachelorhood refers to the state of being unmarried, typically applied to men. The term derives from bachelor, originally meaning a knight's companion or a young man, and over time came to denote an adult male who has not entered into marriage. In modern usage, bachelorhood is a social and demographic category describing men who are not married, regardless of whether they are romantically involved or have long-term partnerships. The term is often contrasted with spinsterhood, though that term is outdated and rarely used today for women.

Many factors influence bachelorhood, including economic conditions, education, urbanization, cultural and religious norms, and personal choice. Some men remain bachelors by choice, valuing autonomy, career development, or independence; others remain unmarried due to circumstance, such as lack of a partner or economic barriers. Statistical demographics track the proportion of never-married men by age cohort, region, and time, with patterns varying widely across societies and over time. In some cultures, marriage is customary or expected at a relatively young age, while in others, delaying marriage or remaining single is common and socially accepted.

In literature, film, and popular culture, bachelorhood is often depicted in terms of freedom and responsibility, or in comedic and critical contexts. The concept continues to evolve as social norms around relationships, family structure, and intimate partnerships diversify, with some men entering marriages later in life or forming alternative family arrangements.