Gender, Widowhood and Female Solidarity: A Study on Female Friendships of later-life widows

Friendship is an intrinsic aspect of living across generations. However, the significance friendship for silver generation has received limited attention from gerontological studies in India. Considering that widowhood accompanied by loneliness, bereavement and stigma, I am interested to understand implications elderly women what extent potential countering negotiating with ageing widowhood. This further important demystifying myth transient nature female illuminate on spaces solidarity. The study incorporated qualitative interviewing oral narratives administered through semi-structured questionnaire conducted setting respective residence respondents. It was found social context structural shape experiences friendship. can be low maintenance these women; however a friend one interaction whom derives equanimity contentment meaning leading life without presence spouse. They challenged notion normative understanding identifying kin members sometimes generations as friends. Female not fragile they feel it more intense laden emotions compared male