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A Widow's Handbook
Publisher: Jane Robinson - A Project of the Newfoundland and Labrador Women's Institut, St. John's, CanadaYear Published: 1979 Pages: 52pp Resource Type: Book Cx Number: CX2000 Abstract: This handbook examines the emotional, economic and societal implications of widowhood, specifically windows in Newfoundland. It recognizes that women in our culture often do not have much of a role outside of the home and upon death of a husband they become increasingly isolated. With little or no social and economic role in out culture, they find themselves in a state of uselessness and loneliness. In practical terms, many widows are forced to exist on an income that is at or below the poverty line. Because many women have never worked outside the home, or left their jobs upon Marriage they have no choice but to live on what government or private assistance there is available. The work they have done all their lives as homemakers and child-rearers is given no monetary value in our society and therefore no financial benefit for those in their old age. The handbook also makes suggestions for facing the death of a husband in practical terms what a woman can expect to deal with around funeral arrangements, releasing money from bank accounts, insurance and wills. The different forms of government assistance are explained and addresses are supplied for the region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The handbook concludes with the suggestion that widows must come together in groups and organizations to develop collective action to change the conditions that keep them isolated and impoverished. Included is a list of book and articles for further erading. Subject Headings |