Status of Widowhood in India

In India, widows are facing a lot of impinging problems, challenges, discrimination, stigmatization and hardships emanating from the family and society at large. It is mainly because of traditional norms and cultural practices and beliefs existing in the society. However, discrimination of widows is a common phenomenon which is deeply rooted in the traditional values and beliefs of the society in India. The book is mainly based on the major objectives of this study are to analyze the status of widows from a gender sensitive perspective, to identify the social security schemes, initiatives taken by governmental and non-governmental organizations for widows in Tamil Nadu. The researcher has used the historical and survey research methods in way of feminist lens and observation, interview and questionnaire tools to obtain the primary data. From the present study, it can be understood that the existing traditional and cultural practices are making restrictions on the social life of widows both in rural and urban areas, also this book examined other aspects such as their aspiration, motivation and desire for achievement.