Beyond Grief: An Anthropological Exploration of Resilience, Identity, and Social Dynamics among Widows

Abstract

The ritualistic behaviors associated with death encompass actions that signify the significant impact of the loss on both the bereaved individual and the community. When an individual loses a spouse through death, the absence of the deceased has been resulted in the loss of both social interactions and emotional support. This often intensifies the necessity for the development of alternative social relationships. Therefore, the research problem at hand delves to unravel the multifaceted elements of widowhood, focusing on how widows in various socioeconomic circumstances develop and deploy resilient strategies to cope with grief. The general objective of this research is to illuminate the mechanisms through which widows reconstruct their identities amid the complex interplay of societal expectations and personal aspirations. This study is based on purposively selected twenty widow households of Ratmalana DS division, Colombo district, Sri Lanka. The qualitative methods and techniques have been applied to collect data including interviews, case studies, focus group discussions and observation methods. The findings of the research reveal insights into their resilience mechanisms, influenced by cultural and societal factors. Widows face societal stigma and gender-based stereotypes, leading to limited participation in social events. The economic impact on widows is shaped by historical practices like Sinhalese land tenure and discriminatory inheritance laws. Financial challenges arise from shifting family structures and gender disparities in employment. The study highlights varied income sources, with self-employment common post-spousal loss. Financial aid to widows is limited, and government initiatives fluctuate in utility. Support networks play a crucial role in widows' financial stability, offering multifaceted assistance. The research findings suggest that widows encounter distinct difficulties within their gender roles. As the sole caregiver, they strive to maintain their family's socio-cultural and economic stability as household leaders, simultaneously managing household affairs and finances. Widows, identified as individuals who grapple with both financial and emotional support in modern society, face significant challenges in meeting these responsibilities.