What does deficit social identity imply about singles in relation to social identity?

• A. They are immune to loneliness.
• B. Singles may be perceived as missing something without a relationship (deficit).
• C. Singles are seen as more socially integrated than those in relationships.
• D. Singles are always satisfied with identity.

Answer: (B)

Deficit social identity is the idea that being single is viewed as signaling that a person is missing something because they don’t have a romantic relationship. In many social contexts, being in a relationship is seen as the norm or ideal, so singles can be perceived as lacking a part of a complete life. This framing shapes how others respond to singles and can influence how singles view themselves, emphasizing a perceived shortfall rather than full social worth.

That’s why the best answer is that singles may be perceived as missing something without a relationship. The other possibilities don’t fit this idea: loneliness isn’t ruled out by deficit thinking (in fact, it can be a consequence), being seen as more socially integrated contradicts the notion of a deficit, and being always satisfied contradicts the expectation that there’s a missing piece.