Older Widows and the Life Course: Multiple Narratives of Hidden Lives

Book Details

• Author: Pat Chambers

• Publisher: Routledge

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition

• ISBN: 9781138620070

• Pages: 297

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches

About The Book
Later-Life Widowhood: Multiple Narratives and Complex Experiences by Pat Chambers offers an insightful and original exploration of the complexities surrounding widowhood in later life. Statistically, older wives are more likely to experience widowhood due to the gender and age disparities in life expectancy, yet there has been little attention given to the nuanced realities of this stage in life. Chambers addresses this gap, combining a thorough review of existing literature with qualitative research among older widows to reveal the multifaceted nature of later-life widowhood.

Chambers challenges the dominant narrative of misery and decline that often surrounds widowhood, instead offering a more complex picture rooted in personal biography and the female life course. Through the concept of multiple narratives, the author uncovers the hidden and diverse experiences of older widows, emphasizing that their lives cannot be solely defined by widowhood itself. Rather, their individual stories reflect a wide range of emotions, challenges, and aspirations.

This groundbreaking study is essential for anyone interested in gerontology, sociology, and social policy, particularly those studying ageing, widowhood, and the life course. It provides a fresh perspective on an important yet often overlooked aspect of later life, and is sure to resonate with researchers, social workers, and policymakers working with older populations.