The World of Widows

This is a global overview of the legal, social, cultural and economic status of a growing but little-known minority - the world's widows. Particularly in the South, where widows have been neglected by social policy researchers, international human rights activists and the women's movements, their st [...]
Visa längre beskrivning

This is a global overview of the legal, social, cultural and economic status of a growing but little-known minority - the world's widows. Particularly in the South, where widows have been neglected by social policy researchers, international human rights activists and the women's movements, their status is an urgent issue given the extent and severity of the discrimination against them. The book describes the process of becoming a widow through bereavement and funeral rites, poverty and social security in the context of widowhood, and the differing laws and customs regarding widows' inheritance. It explores the situation of widows who remarry, issues of sexuality and health, widowhood in the context of AIDS, and the needs of specific groups, such as refugees, older widows and women who are widowed while they are still children. It shows discrimination in inheritance rights, land ownership, custody of children, security of home and shelter, nutrition and health, and concludes with an overview of widows themselves organizing for change.