Does My Grief Count? When Ex-Family Grieve

Abstract

This article examines the grief of ex(s)—spouses as well as ex-fathers, -mothers, -sisters, -brothers, -sons, and -daughters-in-law. Traditionally, such experiences of grief have been disenfranchised since there is no legal recognition of the individual as a griever. The individual does have a continuing role in the narrative and memories of the family. One social reality of contemporary families is the redefinition of roles in the family. The author examines types of ex(s), how ritual attendance and participation can be negotiated, and alternative means for “paying respects.”