Widowhood Status in the United States

Perspective on a Neglected Aspect of the Family Life-Cycle

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5084638
AutoresFelix M Berardo (autor de correspondencia)
Año1968
Volumen17
Número3
Páginas191
Fecha de publicación1968-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Family Coordinator (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0014-7214 • E-ISSN: 2325-5501
EditorialJSTOR (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/582263
OpenAlexW2528134927
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas29
Referencias citadas19

Over the past several decades the number of widows among our population has shown a continuous and substantial rise, and there is evidence that widowhood is rapidly emerging as a major phenomenon of American society. An examination of selected socio-demographic conditions which characterize contemporary widowhood status reveals a dismal picture. The majority of female survivors face a multiplicity of personal and familial adjustment problems while at the same time attempting to establish a satisfactory adaptation to a new and relatively undefined role. Their economic position is likely to be insecure; more often than not they will need to seek employment, especially if young children are involved, and the various diJficulties associated with these and other conditions are discussed. Moreover, in comparison to the still married, the widow faces the risk of premature mortality, and a higher probability of developing mental disorders or commiting suicide. A review of the literature reveals, however, that widowhood as a significant social and sociological problem has not engaged the empirical interests of investigators to any great extent. Research strategy is suggested which concentrates on developing the sociological implications of widowhood status and on discovering the social and environmental factors associated with the adaptive behavior of the widow and her family

Art · Developmental psychology · Perspective (graphical) · Sociology · Demography · Elder Abuse and Neglect · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Psychology