Annual of social work, Vol. 17 No. 1, 2010.
Review article
FAMILY AND WIDOWHOOD
Maca Cicak
; Social Welfare Centre Zagreb, Peščenica Office, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Contemporary demographic trends and changes in the family structure and lifestyle inevitably change an individual's social network. Within the social network, the family is generally recognised as the most important element of social support to its members and a guarantee of successful overcoming of disturbing experiences such as widowhood. However, not enough attention is paid to the importance and the role of the family in care for widows and widowers.
Therefore, this paper aims to systematize and integrate fragmented Croatian and foreign theoretical conceptions of the connection between widowhood and the family. Studying widowhood will help develop awareness of the social importance of this phenomenon in the society, as well as better understanding of the position of elderly widows and widowers. It will also emphasise the role of the family in the care for widows and widowers and incite creation of plans for social interventions. Analysed data include determination of widowhood and its characteristics, its complex and long-term consequences, the importance and the role of family networks and support, the influence of widowhood on the parent-child relationship and other similar issues.
Keywords
family; widowhood; social network; social support
Hrčak ID:
52514
URI
Publication date:
10.5.2010.
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