Single life in pre-modern society

Choosing to live on your own is nothing new. It has been present in all types of societies, regardless of era or culture. In the past, unmarried individuals were quite common, especially in Europe and in countries settled by Europeans (e.g. the USA, Canada, Australia), but much less present in other populations. The phenomenon of “bachelors” and “spinsters”, typical for Western countries, could be associated with changes in culture, society and the economy that have taken place within the last few centuries. In the pre-modern era hardly anyone chose to stay single and live outside the community or family. Those who did were mostly outstanding, gifted individuals, who often held important positions in society and in the community: priests, shamans, fortune tellers, artists, and philosophers. Another type of loner included those who lived on the margins of society: ramblers, pilgrims, eccentrics, hermits, vagabonds and beggars. Such people usually made others scared and anxious due to their unusual lifestyle. In Europe, the only commonly accepted alternative to family life was celibacy among the clergy – especially Catholic. In those times it was very difficult to live outside one's family. Feudal society was based on a simple system of goods production where little family workshops or farms were very important. Therefore, family meant economic safety and stability, it defined your social status and it provided a predictable future.