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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel O. Amoo & Paul O. Adekola & Evaristus Adesina & Olujide A. Adekeye & Oluwakemi O. Onayemi & Marvellous A. Gberevbie, 2022. "Young Single Widow, Dynamics of In-Laws Interference and Coping Mechanisms: Simplicity–Parsimony Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10117-:d:889317
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Lloyd-Sherlock & Barbara Corso & Nadia Minicuci, 2015. "Widowhood, Socio-Economic Status, Health and Wellbeing in Low and Middle-Income Countries," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(10), pages 1374-1388, October.
    2. Siwan Anderson & Debraj Ray, 2019. "Missing Unmarried Women," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 17(5), pages 1585-1616.
    3. Misheck Dube, 2022. "When the Challenges of Widowhood Extend to Childcare: Essential Considerations for Social Work Practice," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emmanuel O. Amoo & Mercy E. Adebayo & Michael O. Owoeye & Matthew E. Egharevba, 2022. "To Save a Girl-Child, You Must Train a Boy-Child: A Note on Situational Irony," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-9, December.

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