Abstract
This paper relates that poverty following a divorce, particularly if there are minor children, or the death of a spouse, can be a reality especially if the person has a limited education or work-related skills. Next, the author investigates statistics revealing the depth of this situation. The paper concludes that today there are laws that support child maintenance payments and business and financial planners are beginning to address these financial problems so that with some good advice and proper planning they can be mitigated.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Poverty in the Aftermath of Divorce
Poverty in the Aftermath of the Death of a Spouse
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"While 77.7% of married couples own their own homes, for those who are widowed is stated at only 70%. Furthermore, the widowed are stated to spend a larger proportion of their total money receipts after all deductions on dwelling costs than do married individuals however, they spend the same approximate percentage as do those who are divorced, separated or never married.
"Assessing the income of widows in the U.S. is "misleading, since it does not address the most distinctive cause of the genuine financial difficulties than many of them face."

Tags:breadwinners, non-payment of maintenance, men retirement-age survivor-benefits

Abstract
This paper examines marriage, courtship and the lives and roles of young women in children's literature from various cultures. The texts considered are African, Chinese. Japanese and Russian. In traditional tales women are subordinate to male characters in the role of wife, mother and temptress.

Abstract
The central ingredient in this reality is the instrumental role of power and authority within the relationship. Such power is almost always inflicted by the male gender in an effort to punish, or to control, its female victims.

From the Paper
"INTRODUCTION

The objective of this research is to consider the manner in which the death of a spouse affects the surviving spouse, how people cope with the strain, and what sorts of services and professionals are available to help them through this difficult time. Various theorists have noted that there are stages of grief, and research has shown that these stages can be found not only in a situation where the spouse has died but also in situations where the spouse is facing death or otherwise triggers a grieving process and a sense of loss, as happens with older couples when one partner has Alzheimer's and is thus being effectively taken away without actually dying. Everyone will have to experience this sense of loss someday. For most people, if they are the surviving spouse, the death of a spouse will be a ..."

Abstract
Examines changes in terms of economics, power and control. Explores the historical struggle between the sexes, struggles over meanings and sex and gender, and increased freedom for men and women in modern gender relations.

From the Paper
"In The History of Sexuality, Michel Foucault argues that sexuality and sexual conduct are not natural categories. In other words, they have no basis in reality. Instead, these categories are a product of social ...'

From the Paper
"DEATH OF A SPOUSE AS A PSYCHOSOCIAL CRISIS WITHIN
THE CONTEXT OF ERIKSON'S LIFE CYCLE THEORY

Introduction
This research examines the death of a spouse viewed as a psychosocial crisis for the surviving member of the union. Erikson's (1982, pp. 55-72) life cycle model provides the conceptual basis for this examination.

Death of A Spouse As A Life Cycle
Developmental Crisis
Behavioral system balance is a manifestation of successful adjustments and adaptations, even though observed behavior may not appear to be consistent with accepted cultural or biologic norms for healthy behavior. Living systems can and do operate at varying levels of effectiveness and efficiency, but, to be able ..."

Abstract
"Being a proper husband is difficult at any time, but in the 1990s it can be especially difficult given the many forces in society tearing at marriage and the family. The tendency may be to seek advice and to try to impose rules from counselors, religious leaders, psychologists, or others.

From the Paper
"Being a proper husband is difficult at any time, but in the 1990s it can be especially difficult given the many forces in society tearing at marriage and the family. The tendency may be to seek advice and to try to impose rules from counselors, religious leaders, psychologists, or others. What should be faced is that every case is different and that what is most important about behaving as a good husband is to match the needs of the other partner in the relationship, the wife.

Determining the characteristics of the best wife and best husband can be undertaken within certain parameters but is an impossible task as far as coming to any set and complete statement of traits, behaviors, and attitudes. Each person is an individual, and each marriage is an individual relationship, different from all others even as there may be certain ..."

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of presidential spouses. Specifically, it compares and contrasts the character, impact and influence of three American presidential spouses from the 1900's through to the 1970's. Ida Saxton McKinley, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy all lost their husbands while they were president and each woman left her own indelible mark on the White House, proving that presidential spouses live on in the hearts of Americans through time.

From the Paper
"Eleanor Roosevelt may be one of the most well known first ladies of all time. Born in 1884 in New York City, she married her cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1905. Her husband served in New York politics before his election to the presidency in 1932. Eleanor, who as a young woman had no interest in politics, became embroiled in the politics of the day. "As Franklin campaigned, Eleanor began to function as his conscience, advising him unofficially on what she considered to be ethical issues, although she always publicly denied taking this role" (Spangenburg and Moser 59). Franklin seemed to recognize his wife's strengths and assets, and appointed many women to high posts in government after his election. "By the end of the first term, more women than ever before held government posts in Washington" (Spangenburg and Moser 64)."

Tags:First, Lady, Ida, Saxton, McKinley, Eleanor, Roosevelt, Jacqueline, Bouvier, Kennedy

Abstract
This paper examines various stages of family life as represented in the film trilogy, "Shrek", showing how a fairy tale ending only happens after working through real-life struggles with one's spouse, friends, family and children. The film trilogy follows the natural order of relationships, with the first film dealing with courtship. In particular, the movie highlights the challenges the couple of Shrek and Fiona face, noting a major obstacle being Shrek's low self-esteem. Aside from romantic partnership, the paper also addresses friendship, as seen in the camaraderie between Shrek and Donkey. In third movie, the film deals with parenthood and partnership. The paper concludes by stating that this animated film portrays marriage and family interaction that can be applied and understood in real-life relationships.

From the Paper
"The first film primarily deals with first love, courtship, engagement and marriage, with Shrek rescuing Fiona, the damsel in distress, and their quest for love despite the many obstacles to their relationship. The complications they face are obvious from the start of the first movie and continue throughout the trilogy. One major stumbling block is Shrek's opinion of himself, as he clearly has poor self-esteem issues. In the first film, Shrek doesn't feel he is worthy of Fiona's love; in the second, he doesn't think of himself as a worthy husband, and in the third, he struggles with worthiness as future king and becoming a father. In the beginning, Shrek is a loner and tries to keep to himself, more out of fear of rejection than anything else. And his friendship with Donkey brings out some critical points about how Shrek views himself. Upon rescuing Fiona, he is supposed to deliver her to Lord Farquaad, and perhaps because of self-esteem issues, never dreams of keeping her for himself."

Tags:self-esteem, animated film, relationships, fairy tales

Abstract
The author of this paper examines the institution of marriage between the years 1500 to 1800 in the United Kingdom and the various factors that influenced both the decision to marry and at which stage in life to marry. The paper contends that the decision to marry was not decided by one individual factor, but rather a combination of traditions and influences including love, choice and family interest but primarily, economic considerations. The paper attempts to show that, contrary to the commonly held belief, marriage and the marriage partner during this period was a matter of choice between the two individuals marrying and that in the United Kingdom, the conventions regarding marriage where much more liberal than in the rest of Europe.

From the Paper
"Despite there being no laws stating a need for parental involvement many more young people valued the advice of parents and kin or were given said advice whether or not they asked due to the thought that 'marriage is far too important a matter to be left to the individuals concerned.' Regardless of this there were frequent cases of young people eloping to Gretna Green or getting married having ignored all the advice of their parents. In general, among the majority of the common people, marriage partners were freely chosen whilst the guidance of friends and parents was taken into account. It was sensible to consult peers and family in order to protect one's own interests and to ensure economic assistance and help with connections, advice and gifts. A sound economic foundation on which to lay a marriage could only be achieved with the approval of parents and friends. The degree of this varied according to the social level of the individual in that both the noble and upper strata would obviously uphold a stricter control over love and courtship behaviour than those in the lower strata."

Tags:english economics consensual self-sufficient apprenticeships freedom consent courting aisle eloping, gretna green, courtship spouse