Divorced Jewish women with children: Their needs and adjustment.

Abstract

The family is central to Jewish identity. The revolution in family structure created by the increased labor force participation of Jewish women and changing patterns of divorce and remarriage have had a profound effect upon contemporary Judaism. This study examines how sixteen divorced Jewish women with children are coping and adjusting to divorce within the American Jewish culture. It also explores the effect divorce has upon their Jewish identification. Data for the study were generated from two sources: the women answered a religious identification scale and a demographic data sheet, and there were two in depth qualitative interviews with the sixteen women. Findings from the data revealed Jewish associational patterns and quality of life issues. Two images of the women emerged. The first image was stress and change. Formerly living within a middle-income range, these college-educated women experienced a reduction in financial resources that caused them to move their residences and uproot their children. Many found it difficult to obtain employment. Most earned an income at or below the poverty level. Environmental and psychological pressures influenced the women to develop a "Never Enough" type thinking. There was never enough time, energy, or money to master their roles. Divorce appeared to intrude on female identity development. Many focused upon intimacy rather than individuation. Women with younger children were absorbed in the pressures of the present. Women in their forties and fifties were concerned about aging as a single adult and health-related issues. The second image of the women was a sustained Jewish identity. Divorce did not diminish their Jewish identification. The women defined it as home, family, and community. This definition positively influenced parenting and new marital choices. Yet, the concentration of the Jewish population within the middle class and its nearly universal high marriage rate complicated ethnic peer relationships. The women couldn't afford to socially participate with their ethnic peer group and felt isolated. Most felt uncomfortable being divorced. Some commented upon sex discrimination. They experienced divorced Jewish men being more socially acceptable than themselves by their peers. Implications and suggestions for educational policy and practice are developed.