Meanings of Loneliness for Women Using Social Services in Spain: An Intersectional Analysis

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are widely recognized problems facing society. Women in situations of economic and social vulnerability are particularly impacted by loneliness. Yet, we know less about the intersectional dimensions of women’s experiences. The study, carried out in Basque Country (Spain) used phenomenological interviews and non-random sampling ( N = 8) to explore the subjective experiences of loneliness among women clients at community social services using an intersectional approach as an analytical strategy. Intersectionality theory provides insight into how different forms of marginalization intersect to shape the experiences of loneliness of women with high social disadvantages. Among other aspects, the study explores the intersection of loneliness with different variables such as gender, socio-economic and residential inequality, migratory status, as well as physical or mental health problems. The results yielded four themes associated with the loneliness of women, with an interweaving of gender in different axes of exclusion: loneliness and unfulfilled need for meaningful relationships; vulnerability to situations of violence suffered during life; social and economic inequality and responsibility for care; and multiple stigma and discrimination. From a practical perspective, this study identifies policy implications that can be used by social workers to understand and mitigate women’s loneliness in community social services.