Gender difference in bereavement support for older widowed people
Keywords:
Later life, widowhood, gender, social support, formal supportAbstract
AbstractEmotional and practical support at and around the time of a spouse's death is seen as important in helping older bereaved people come to terms with their loss. This article examines gender differences in the support offered to older widowed people. A total of 46 widows and 46 widowers were interviewed about their marriages, their lives immediately following the death of their partners, and their lives now. Contrary to findings in previous research, but in line with the beliefs of the women interviewees, the men received more formal support than the women. The article ends with a discussion of the possible explanations, and some recommendations for further research.
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