Abstract
Do the views and experiences of older widowed men regarding widowhood agree, and can they be explained in terms of notions of masculinity? Older widowed men were asked whether they believed men or women coped better. They were also asked about their own experiences. The paper discusses the similarities and differences between the views and experiences of these widowed men within a framework of masculinity. Men believe that women are better equipped to deal with widowhood. They explain this in terms of women’s domestic abilities and social skills, and men’s inability to talk about their emotions. These views can be understood in terms of masculinity. However, analysis of their experiences suggests that the picture is more complex. Men were found to be as socially engaged as women. Men showed a range of domestic abilities: some were keen cooks and houseproud, while others relied on ready meals and family support. Women believed that men received more support than they did; this was confirmed. Unexpectedly, men reported more depressive experiences than women. It is argued that the experiences of widowed men may be understood in a masculinity framework, if one incorporates notions of diversity and social change.
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Her research interests include ageing, gender, marital status, and psychological well-being.
Her research interests include ageing, gender, marital status, and nutrition.
His research interests include cognitive aspects of ageing, memory, and widowhood.
This research study was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (Award No. L480254034) and is part of the Growing Older Programme of 24 projects studying the quality of life of older people. However, the findings reported here are entirely the responsibility of the researchers.
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Bennett, K.M., Hughes, G.M. & Smith, P.T. “I think a woman can take it”: Widowed men’s views and experiences of gender differences in bereavement. Ageing Int. 28, 408–424 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-003-1012-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-003-1012-x