Remarriage of Elderly Widows and Widowers in Pakhtun Culture

Abstract

This study explores the trend of re-marriage among elderly widowed persons in
the Pakhtun culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The universe of this study is Tehsil
Timergara of District Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Respondents
were identified through purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected
through a semi-structured interview guide from 10 elderly widows and 10
widowers. Being male researchers, we conducted in-depth interviews with
widowers, while data was collected from widows by a female research assistant.
This study reveals that in Pakhtun culture the re-marriage of elderly widowed
people, particularly among widows, is rare. Female respondents were not
interested in re-marriage. The barriers identified in the way of their remarriage
are biological, cultural, and economic factors. Very few widowers get remarried
and remarriage depends upon their physical condition, authority status, financial
position, and socio-cultural background of the concerned family.