Picture this: you’re a single guy from Bangladesh or Syria, and you’ve just moved to Europe. New country, new culture, and—let’s be honest—a whole new dating scene. But how do migrant bachelors perceive singlehood in this uncharted territory? Our paper Waiting or dating? Migrant bachelors in the European borderscapes, where we present findings from our research project on single migrant men in the EU that you may have heard about already, dives into this very topic. This time, however, we compare the experiences of Bangladeshi migrants in Italy and Syrian migrants in Sweden.

In many cultures, being single is often seen as a transitional phase—a waiting room before the main event of marriage. However, in much of Europe, singlehood can be a lifestyle choice, complete with its own perks (like not having to share the TV remote). Our study found that Bangladeshi migrants in Italy often view their bachelor status as a period of waiting, aligning with traditional views from back home. In contrast, Syrian migrants in Sweden are more inclined to embrace singlehood as a valuable experience in itself, adopting what they perceive as a ‘European way’ of being single.

So, what’s driving these differing perspectives? We introduce the concept of ‘borderwork,’ which refers to the social and cultural boundaries that migrants navigate in their new countries. These aren’t physical borders but societal ones, shaped by factors like race, class, and community expectations. For Bangladeshi migrants in Italy, strong community ties and traditional values may reinforce the idea of singlehood as a waiting period. Meanwhile, Syrian migrants in Sweden might find more freedom to redefine their single status, influenced by a more individualistic society. Not surprisingly, economic factors also play a role. Migrants with higher socioeconomic status may feel more empowered to adopt new lifestyles, including embracing singlehood. In contrast, those facing economic hardships might adhere more closely to traditional norms, viewing marriage as a means of social and financial stability. In other words, navigating singlehood as a migrant bachelor in Europe is a complex dance between old cultural norms and new societal influences. Whether it’s seen as a waiting period or a lifestyle choice depends on a mix of factors, including community pressures, economic status, and the invisible borders that shape daily life. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights into the migrant experience and the evolving concept of singlehood in a globalized world.