Socio- Economic and Psychological Problems of Widowhood: A Case Study of Dhoke Hassue, District Rawalpindi

Abstract

Widowhood changes the social and economic status of women allover the world . After the death of a woman's husband, her status changes from that of a wife to a widow and thus her material status also changes from the central position of a wife to the marginal position of a widow. From the central position of controlling a household, she is forcefully marginalized by society to wait for her death. In a patriarchal society a widow is supposed to live physically but socially she is dead. Poverty, illiteracy and the feeling of homelessness force her to accept poorly paid jobs or to become a tool in the hands of the exploiters. As soon as a woman becomes a widow, it is not only the loss of her late husband that troubles her but also her multidimensional issues, including socio-economic problems and physical insecurity, that lead her towards psychological depression. Her financial security does not automatical ly lead to her empowerment and although finance is a major constraint, however that is not the only consideration because economic assistance does not, necessarily, improves her status. Some of the major factors that expose her to a disadvantaged position are ignorance, powerlessness and vulnerability.