Marriage life to Widowhood: An inquiry on the quality of life of a Widow
List of Authors
  • Bernard V. Gerona

Keyword
  • Widow, Widowhood, Marriage Life, Family

Abstract
  • Researches on Widow from the sociological to financial had been published (Corden et al., 2001; Mallan, 1975, Sevak, Weir, & Willis, 2003; Sander & Iams, 2007; Burkhauser, 1994, however, rarely where an informant is Filipino had been studied where cultural context is equally important. A widow is a woman whose husband died (Jamadar et.al, 2015). This study utilized narration as a method of narrative research on the Widow. It described and analyzed the lived-experiences of a widow and established a narrative representation of their life, the factors or transitions as well as her adjustments and struggles. The Informant of the study is a Widow chosen after confirmation through referral. Themes on the informant emerged: Married Life, Transitioning from Married Life to Widowhood, and Family which plays a vital role in the life of a widow. The result of the study shows that a family life where both parents are present and performing specific roles is a less stressful life, and the Death of a husband resulted in adjustment and struggles of the widow specifically in the financial aspects. Aside from finances, the psychological transition is present in the widow after the death of her husband where the widow shows excessive distress on the children’s wellbeing. Added, family, and friends play a vital role in the well-being of the widow and her children, and it also helps the widow to go beyond household work. It was the death of her husband which led her to find a job for her family’s well-being. Lastly, this study provides a different cultural perspective on the life of a widow from the socio-economic and inward outlook of their actual lives.

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