Spatial Variation in the Phenomenon of Widowhood in Al-Hashimiyah District in Babil Governorate in Iraq

Abstract

Death is one of the most significant phenomena affecting the variation and distribution of the population based on their age and gender structure· It is one of life’s inevitabilities and the endpoint of a vital biological cycle· The impact of widowhood on women is particularly severe more painful and distressing than for men due to the emotional and practical rupture that occurs with the loss of a husband and life partner· A widow does not simply lose an ordinary person, but rather the partner upon whom she relied for support and for meeting her needs, in addition to the broader impact on the social and familial structure· This study focuses on one of the most critical demographic phenomena that has spread widely in Iraqi society in general, and in the Al-Hashimiyah district in particular, due to wars, diseases, accidents, as well as terrorist acts and tribal conflicts· These factors have led to the increasing prevalence of widowhood among women. The study aims to identify the extent, variation, and geographical distribution of this phenomenon in the Al-Hashimiyah district, along with the demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the widows· It also seeks to explore the causes leading to widowhood among women· This study is based on fieldwork, which revealed a high percentage of widowed women, reaching 48·1% of the total female population· Analysis of demographic characteristics showed variation between increases and decreases, with the highest widowhood rate observed among women over the age of 40, accounting for 53·4%· The results also indicated a decline in the income level of widows, with 50·9% earning a low income· Moreover, the study highlighted a number of reasons contributing to the rise in widowhood cases·