Widowhood Status in the United States: Perspective on a Neglected Aspect of the Family Life-Cycle

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 difficulties 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.