Title: The life experiences of Chinese women after late-life remarriage
Version: 4 Date: 03 Jan 2025
Reviewer's report:
As people’s lifespans extend and perspectives evolve, an increasing number of elderly
individuals are choosing to remarry, making late-life remarriage a social phenomenon that is
gaining attention. This study delves into the life experiences of Chinese women who remarry
in their later years, revealing the positive role that remarriage can play in providing support
and companionship, and alleviating feelings of loneliness. However, this process also faces
numerous challenges, including opposition from children, financial issues, domestic labor
division, and complex interpersonal relationships. Overall, this study not only expands the
academic community’s understanding of the group of elderly remarriers but also offers a new
perspective on the complex situations women face at different stages of life. Therefore, this
manuscript holds significant academic value and can provide valuable references for research
in related fields; at the same time, it also has important practical implications, offering guidance
and suggestions for the elderly and their families when facing late-life remarriage. To further
enhance the quality and impact of the manuscript, I am proposing some suggestions here, hoping
to assist the authors in revising and improving the manuscript.
Here are some specific suggestions:
1. I suggest that the author provide a more detailed introduction to the traditional Chinese
societal views on remarriage in later life, and how these views affect the social integration and
psychological state of women who remarry later in life. For instance, exploring the conflict
and integration between traditional filial piety and the modern pursuit of personal happiness
could offer a richer socio-cultural context for understanding the challenges faced by women who
remarry in their later years.
2. Suggest optimizing the Results section of the manuscript, especially regarding the citation
of interview materials. For example, in lines 381-388, 396-399, and 490-494, the authors have
cited a large amount of interview material to support the research findings. I recommend that the
authors consider whether they can simplify these citations and directly present the core points of
the interview material. This can make the manuscript more concise while maintaining fidelity
to the original data.
3. I suggest that the authors discuss future research directions at the end of the discussion section.
For instance, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation in future studies to
obtain a more comprehensive perspective. By integrating theories and methods from different
fields such as sociology, psychology, law, and economics, one can delve deeper into the impact
of later-life remarriage on individuals, families, and society.
4. Reflection is the process by which researchers assess and summarize the research process and
outcomes, with the aim of examining the feasibility, scientific nature, and effectiveness of the
study. It is suggested that the author engage in a profound reflection on the research process and
outcomes, identifying and assessing any potential biases and subjectivities that the researcher
may have, as well as how these factors may influence the interpretation of the research process
and results.
5. In terms of practical implications, it is suggested that the specific value of practical application
be refined in the context of Chinese society. For instance, for the statement “the construction
of a social security system for the elderly should be strengthened,” targeted implementation
recommendations should be added.