In many parts of India, widowhood carries profound social stigmas, deeply rooted in cultural and patriarchal traditions. These stigmas manifest differently for widows and widowers, influencing their social standing, mental health, and overall well-being. In a previous article, we explored the legal implications of widow(er)hood in India. This essay explores the societal challenges faced by both groups, supported by recent statistics and scholarly insights.
Prevalence of Widowhood in India
According to the 2011 Census of India, there were approximately 43 million widowed women and 12 million widowed men. This disparity is partly due to higher life expectancy among women and societal norms discouraging widow remarriage. Notably, 48% of women over 60 years old are widowed, compared to 16% of men in the same age group.
Social Discrimination Against Widows in Indian Society
Traditional beliefs may label widows as inauspicious, leading to exclusion from religious and social events. This marginalisation can result in economic hardships, as many widows lose access to their husband’s property and financial resources. In some distressing instances, widows are unjustly blamed for their husband’s demise and subjected to verbal abuse, further compounding their emotional and social isolation. These discriminatory norms permeate daily life, affecting choices in clothing, freedom of movement, access to food, and opportunities for employment.
“It was distressing to watch my mom exchanging her colourful sarees for printed white cotton sarees. Her eldest sister bought her some of these sarees. She would attend weddings and other events in the plain cotton saree, instead of silk or other fancy materials. It was not that she could not wear colourful clothes, but she chose to mourn her husband, our father, by wearing plain or printed white sarees following tradition. It affected us children profoundly. She continued wearing them for the next year. These days, nobody insists that widows wear white clothes or buys white clothes for them in our community,” said Isabella, developer, Ahmedabad.
Feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety are common among widows. The societal perception of widows as liabilities further aggravates their mental health challenges. Research indicates that widowed women suffer from various psychological stresses, often ignored by society.
Social Stigma Faced by Widowers
While widowers do not face the same level of overt discrimination, they encounter unique challenges. Societal expectations often pressure men to remarry quickly to restore household stability. This can lead to emotional distress, as the grieving process is overlooked. Additionally, widowers may struggle with domestic responsibilities traditionally managed by their spouses, leading to feelings of inadequacy and helplessness.
The emotional well-being of widowers is also a concern. Studies have shown that widowers report higher morbidity rates compared to their married counterparts. Approximately 49% of widowers reported health issues, in contrast to 24% of married men.
“Our perfectly healthy grandfather went into a decline immediately after our grandmother died. People who came to our grandmother’s funeral remarked that he won’t last long. He died within a fortnight!” mentioned Ramesh, accountant, Jamnagar.
Economic Challenges
Widows are statistically more likely to experience poverty and food insecurity when compared to married women. This economic precarity is not merely a consequence of the loss of a spouse’s income; it is also a result of the social and cultural barriers that restrict widows’ access to education, employment, and property rights. The combination of social stigma and economic hardship creates a vicious cycle of disadvantage, making it exceedingly difficult for widows to regain stability and independence.
They face economic disenfranchisement due to patriarchal inheritance laws and societal norms. Many are denied property rights and financial support, pushing them into poverty. In rural areas, widows represent about 60% of women above 60 years of age, many of whom lack independent sources of income.
Widowers, while less economically marginalised, may face difficulties if they were not the primary breadwinners. The sudden responsibility of managing finances and providing for the family can be overwhelming, especially for older men unaccustomed to these roles. They are not entirely immune to food insecurity and may face different forms of mistreatment within their households.
“I need food on time and have specific preferences. That was not possible at my son’s place due to various reasons. So, I sold my house and used the money to check myself into an old age home. Now, I am happy because I get served hot food on time. The taste may be slightly different, but at least it’s fresh,” mentioned Omar, former shopkeeper, Jamnagar.
Caste and Widowhood
The experience of widowhood is further complicated by the rigid caste system prevalent in India. The impact of widowhood is not uniform across all social strata; rather, it is shaped by caste hierarchies. Widows from higher castes, particularly Brahmins, often face even stricter social regulations compared to those from lower castes. These regulations can include more stringent dietary restrictions, enforced seclusion, and limitations on social interaction. While lower-caste widows may not encounter as many newly imposed social restrictions upon widowhood, they are still acutely vulnerable to economic hardship and may lack the social capital to navigate their altered circumstances effectively.
Cultural Practices and Remarriage
Cultural norms heavily influence the remarriage prospects of widows and widowers. Widow remarriage is often stigmatised, with societal taboos discouraging it. This leaves many widows in a state of prolonged isolation. In contrast, widowers are generally encouraged to remarry, reflecting a gender bias in societal expectations.
Mental Health Implications
The social stigma and isolation experienced by widows and widowers have severe mental health implications. Feelings of loneliness and anxiety are prevalent. The lack of social support worsens these issues, leading to a decline in overall well-being. A study indicates that widows are more prone to mental health challenges, such as depression and cognitive decline, particularly if they remain unmarried for extended periods.
“After my father passed away, mother was all right for a couple of years. Then, the depression set in. She had nothing to do and started obsessing about minor things. She used to stand near the window and literally watch her clothes drying. She was afraid someone would go off with her clothes while they were drying!” remembered Advaith, professor, Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
The social stigma associated with widowhood in India presents complex challenges for both widows and widowers. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, societal attitude shifts, and the establishment of support systems to aid those navigating the complexities of widowhood.
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References
Garg, P., Kumar, R., & Shah, A. (2021). The labour force participation of Indian women before and after widowhood. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8323827/.
Hossain, Babul. “Widowhood and its Associated Vulnerabilities in India: A Gendered Perspective.” The India Forum: A Journal-magazine of Contemporary Issues. July 31, 2024. https://www.theindiaforum.in/society/widowhood-and-its-associated-vulnerabilities-india-gendered-perspective.
Shafiq, Saba, Saif Ullah, and Muhammed Ayub. “Socio-Cultural Challenges for Widows: A Case Study in District Lahore, Punjab.” Contemporary Issues in Social Science and Management Practices 3, no. 1 (March 2024).
