Widows in Politics and Society

This chapter examines the historical emergence of women in political roles following the deaths of their husbands, spotlighting influential figures and the legislative changes they spurred. It also addresses the financial and social struggles faced by widows, including the detrimental effects of Social Security policies and cultural mistreatment in various countries. The discussion balances serious topics with a whimsical anecdote from New York City during the 1981 sanitation strike, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity.