Young Single Widow, Dynamics of In-Laws Interference and Coping Mechanisms: Simplicity–Parsimony Approach

Emmanuel O. Amoo (), Paul O. Adekola, Evaristus Adesina, Olujide A. Adekeye, Oluwakemi O. Onayemi and Marvellous A. Gberevbie
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Emmanuel O. Amoo: Demography and Social Statistics, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
Paul O. Adekola: Demography and Social Statistics, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
Evaristus Adesina: Department of Mass Communication, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
Olujide A. Adekeye: Department of Psychology, College of Leadership and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
Oluwakemi O. Onayemi: Department of Business Management, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria
Marvellous A. Gberevbie: Department of Business Management, College of Management and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota 112104, Nigeria

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: The incidence of short marital duration due to the demise of a husband that often exposes young widows to in-laws’ exploitation of the asset of the deceased spouses, without regard for negative health consequences and potential vulnerability to poverty has not been exhaustively investigated, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where 16% of adult women are widows. The study examined the coping mechanisms among the young widow (aged ≤ 40) who have experienced short conjugal relationships (≤5 years) and burdensome from in-laws. The research design followed a qualitative approach with the aid of semi-structured in-depth interviews among 13 young widows selected through snowballing and informant-led approaches in the purposively selected communities. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and a thematic approach. The findings, among others, shows the median age of young widow as 29 years. All participants, except one, have faced exploitation from their in-laws over their husbands’ assets. All the participants desired to re-marry in order to: have a father figure for their children, have their own children or have more children. There is an absence of government support, but a few have received support from religious organisations. The author proposed attitudinal-change campaigns targeting the in-laws through accessible media and legislature that could challenge the exploitation of widows and unhealthy widowhood rites.

Keywords: young widow; in-laws; intimacy; widowhood rites; re-marry; sexual intimacy; health; widow rights (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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