Barriers to Remarriage Among Older People: Viewpoints of Widows and Widowers

We conducted this research based on a qualitative approach to describe the opinions of older widows and widowers on remarriage obstacles. Based on purposive sampling and inclusion criteria, we chose 48 participants on maximum diversity of sex, age, education, employment, and socioeconomic status. Two thirds of the participants were female, 40% had spent more than 10 years widowed, and 65% were living with their children. We collected data individually through semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Based on conventional content analyses, 2 independent researchers implemented data analysis manually. Barriers to remarriage were finally categorized into 4 main themes: personal, normative, interactive, and financial factors. Results of this study showed that older people are more concerned about public opinions and social norms surrounding remarriage. As long as these thoughts and norms are not changed, the concept of remarriage among widows and widowers remains a vital taboo and concern.     

Good personal finances or a strong social capital—on different life conditions of importance for an active life when becoming alone in old age

Becoming alone in old age can be a decisive life event that brings major changes depending on various causes as health status, financial resources, family situation, and available welfare services. This article discusses the situation of older people in Sweden who have transitioned from a two-person to single-person household in recent years and what impact this might have on their everyday lives. Through in-depth interviews with 18 older people, age 67–90, their experiences about life conditions and opportunities were examined. Findings showed large differences between the men and women. They all tried to live as they always had done and they used the same personal life strategies that they always had. But the men could live as before on their own financial merits, while the women needed assistance from children, grandchildren and the welfare system. Transportation options were central and clearly related to both private economy and social services available. Shortcomings in the welfare state's way of caring for the elderly were clearly uncovered. The gap between social policy promises of opportunities for autonomy and independence to live an active life in old age and the everyday reality for older people still seems to be wide.     

传统社会晚期以丧妻不娶为特征的义夫旌表

最迟到元代末年,义夫旌表已经开始用于指代丧妻不娶的男性。今可考证的此类义夫旌表事例始见于明初。明代义夫旌表制度尚不完善,旌表具有随机性。清代道光《礼部则例》首次明确义夫旌格,但明清民间对义夫的理解一直很宽泛。清代义夫旌表比明代更趋于严格和成熟,而旌表对象则以士绅为主。     

90年代中国人口婚姻状况变动分析

90年代中国人口婚姻观念有所改变 ,婚姻关系总的来看是比较稳定的。已婚人口比例高 ,离婚、丧偶人口比例相对较少 ,终身未婚者甚微 ,晚婚已蔚然成风 ,但是人口婚姻状况的变动走向也反映出一些社会问题 ,如独身人口的不断增多、大龄未婚人口难以婚配且性别结构失衡、城镇离婚率持续上升、鳏寡老人的晚年关怀 ,等等。这些都将在一定程度上影响到社会安定和人民生活 ,应采取有效措施加以解决