In the family life cycle, which stage describes a surviving spouse continuing to work due to a death in the partnership?

• A. Solitary survivor in labor force
• B. Retired solitary survivor stage
• C. Full nest stage two
• D. Empty nest stage one

Answer: (A)

In the family life cycle, when a spouse dies, the surviving partner becomes a solitary survivor. If that person continues to work, they are described as a solitary survivor in the labor force. This term reflects the shift from a two-person household to a single status, with ongoing employment to meet financial needs or maintain daily life. The other options don’t fit because they refer to stages defined by children’s presence or by retirement status, neither of which captures the experience of widowhood combined with continued work.