The struggle for identity among Black professional women who are widowed: A South African feminist perspective

Abstract

This article focuses on lived experiences of Black professional women who are widowed in South Africa and seeks to show that they are often victimized by their patriarchal culture during spousal bereavement. Widowhood is one of life's major transitions which takes on innumerable shapes and forms in different cultures and contexts. This is qualitative research, undergirded by cultural victimology theory to explore the stages of victimhood that are associated with widowhood. Research findings reveal that professional women who are widowed, such as those interviewed for this study, are likely to have their well-being, economic strength, autonomy, and identity vitiated by their community on becoming widows. Some of the intricacies of bereavement in South Africa points to a need for dialogue to educate widows, families of the bereaved as well as communities about the rights of widows. There is an urgent need to teach widows about their basic rights as they are enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa.