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.

摘要

传统上，寡妇在泰米尔社会被污名化。这项研究探讨了马来西亚泰米尔印度教妇女在丈夫去世后再婚过程中所面临的挑战。本研究的数据是通过对 13 名再婚女性进行深入访谈而收集的。调查结果分为三个主题：寡妇的耻辱；再婚违背了传统的女性气质；再婚和女性的身体。寡妇经历了社会和自我耻辱，并被排除在一些文化和宗教仪式之外。他们参与求爱被视为违背了“好”女人的观念。对于有孩子的参与者来说，再婚行为被视为放弃对孩子的责任。