Logo

Synopsis In India widowhood represents the last and lowest stage in life for Hindu Women, while in other major religions it is not considered as a serious problem. In our country widow remarriage is not encouraged, though it is legalized. Widowhood represents a cut-off from the former role and relationships and commencing of a new set of relationships. It is considered a punishment for the crime committed by a widow in her previous birth. In a social setting, widows are physically, socially, economically and psychologically handicapped for fulfilling their biosocial needs. Widowed women even have no right to participate in any socio-religious function and her presence is considered as inauspicious. Widowhood also brings about a variety of social problems at the local level being related to adult and child dependency, poverty, unemployment, illness, family disorganization and women’s insecure status. This study is taken up with an aim of evaluating the problems faced by the widows.