Widowhood: A Case Study of Three Bihari Women
Jyoti Verma1
Verma, J. (2022). Widowhood: A Case Study of Three Bihari Women. InterViews: An Interdisciplinary Journal in Social Sciences, 9(1), pp. 46-68. https://doi.org/10.36061/IV.9.1.22.46.68
Abstract
The aim of this interview-based study of three middle-class widowed-women from Patna (Bihar) is to understand their emotional state and social circumstances after a sudden demise of their respective husband. The present study employed interview as well as observation methods. Specifically, the study was designed to explore the widows’ family environment, coping ways, sources of support, hardships, resilience, etc. Their responses indicate that despite sustained despondent mental state, these widowed women somehow adapt to the situation and gradually become relatively confident and self-independent. Children, family members, friends, and parents extend their supports in time of need. They maintain a close relation with their in-laws despite the less support or assistance extended by the latter to the former.
Keywords: widowhood, resilience, self-independent, Indian married woman
1Jyoti Verma, Ph.D., is a former professor of psychology at Patna University, India. Correspondence regarding this article must be directed to: vermaj46@gmail.com