Doświadczanie wdowieństwa przez kobiety w środowisku wiejskim w świetle badań jakościowych
Women's experience of widowhood in a rural environment in light of qualitative research

Summary/Abstract: The traditional image of widowhood in the countryside is often associated with stagnation, loneliness and social marginalization of widows, who were often seen as inactive and withdrawn from social and cultural life. Nowadays, in an era of changes regarding the structure and functioning of modern families, changes regarding living environments (the local rural environment), the perception of widowhood is also changing. Increasingly, both researchers and widowed people themselves are providing evidence that widowhood can be interpreted as a breakthrough moment that opens the way to a new stage of life, associated with development, social activity and new opportunities. The article presents selected results of a study aimed at exploring the personal meanings that widows give to the experience of widowhood. An important aspect was to learn about their subjective perspective and try to identify those categories that build a sense of their well-being. Interviews were conducted with 6 widows living in a rural environment. The results of the research indicate that the experience of widowhood is an individualized issue and can be both a source of difficulties and stagnation, as well as an opportunity for development and growth. It is important that local communities and outreach institutions support widowed people by offering them access to social services, healthcare, support groups and other forms of needed assistance. These activities should be aimed at eliminating social isolation, improving the quality of life and inclusion of widows in the life of the local community.

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