<![CDATA[Abstract. Middle-aged single women in Asia often face stigma due to their deviation from gender role norms. This study explores the experiences of stigma and the meanings attributed to single status among middle-aged women in Asia using a narrative literature review method. The research method involved a systematic review of two selected qualitative and quantitative articles from online databases (2022–2026), with inclusion criteria focusing on stigma and discrimination against middle-aged single women. Analyzed through the lens of Goffman’s stigma theory and Eagly & Wood’s social role theory, the findings indicatethat single women develop strong agency to reject negative labels. Singlehood is interpreted as a productive “waiting period” for independence and is subsequently reconstructed as “happy spinsters” in middle age. Social support and spirituality shape the meaning of “alone but not lonely.” In conclusion, single status is not a deviation from the norm but rather an empowering choice that fosters psychosocial resilience amid pro-natalist cultural pressures. Abstrak. Perempuan jomlo dewasa madya di Asia sering menghadapi stigma akibat ketidaksesuaian dengannorma peran gender. Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi pengalaman stigma dan pemaknaan status jomlo pada perempuan dewasa madya di Asia menggunakan metode Narrative Literature Review. Metode penelitian inimelibatkan tinjauan sistematis terhadap 2 artikel kualitatif dan kuantitatif terpilih dari database online (2022 – 2026), dengan kriteria inklusi stigma diskriminasi kepada perempuan jomlo usia dewasa madya. Dianalisismelalui lensa teori stigma Goffman dan teori peran sosial Eagly & Wood, temuan menunjukkan bahwaperempuan jomlo mengembangkan agensi kuat untuk menolak label negatif. Status jomlo dimaknai sebagaiwaithoodproduktif untuk kemandirian, kemudian dikonstruksi ulang sebagai "happy spinsters" di usia paruhbaya. Dukungan sosial dan spiritualitas membentuk pemaknaan "sendiri namun tidak kesepian". Kesimpulannya, status jomlo bukan penyimpangan norma, melainkan pilihan memberdayakan denganketahanan psikososial di tengah tekanan budaya pronatalis.]]>
