Stigma and widow remarriage: experiences of Malaysian Tamil women

Abstract

Traditionally, widows are stigmatized in Tamil society. This research explores the challenges faced by Malaysian Tamil Hindu women in the process of remarrying after the death of their husbands. The data for this study were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with 13 women who have remarried. The findings were categorized into three main themes: the stigma of being a widow; remarriage as a transgression from the traditional notion of femininity; remarriage and women's bodies. Widows experienced social and self-stigma and were excluded from some cultural and religious rituals. Their involvement in courtship was seen as a transgression of the notions of a ‘good’ woman. For participants with children, the act of remarriage was seen as that of abandoning their responsibility towards their children. The decision to remarry was difficult for the women because they were criticized by others and felt conflicted due to the internalized stigma of widowhood and remarriage.