1
|
Ticho AZ, Barry D. Natural Burial: An Exploratory Study of Attitudes and Practices Among Funeral Directors in the US. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241282733. [PMID: 39237117 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241282733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The market for natural burial has increased for a variety of reasons including positions on environmental and sustainability issues, religious and spiritual considerations, and cost. While there is growing research on popular perceptions from potential consumers, very little is known about the industry actors, institutions, and structures that support natural burial practices. This study examines the knowledge, impressions, attitudes, and practices pertaining to natural burial among funeral directors through a multi-state, anonymous survey (n = 346). This study offers important contributions to the field of death studies, in that it helps to uncover funeral directors' perspectives, contributes to an understanding of the social aspects of natural burial, and sets the stage for additional research on this topic. Further, the project examines natural burial through a sociological lens, with consideration of the implications for professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Z Ticho
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, USA
| | - David Barry
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rawlings D, Miller-Lewis L, Tieman J. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Funerals: Experiences of Participants in the 2020 Dying2Learn Massive Open Online Course. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 89:429-451. [PMID: 35199622 PMCID: PMC8891243 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221075283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A Massive-Open-Online-Course (MOOC) on death and dying (Dying2Learn) was offered in 2020, designed to build conversations about death as a natural part of life. In week 1, the content focused on how today's society engages with death through the language we use, humour, public mourning and funerals. This study investigated 2020 MOOC participants' responses to an online activity reflecting on funerals and memorials during the time of COVID-19. From this activity, n = 204 responses were analysed qualitatively. Themes included the positives and negatives of virtual funeral attendance (e.g. opportunity to have a way to participate when travel barriers existed, versus a sense of impersonal voyeurism); and the challenges related to the inability to physically comfort the bereaved due to physical distancing requirements. Comments made as part of this MOOC activity provide a unique insight into the community's experience of funeral changes necessitated by COVID-19, with important implications for the grieving process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deb Rawlings
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying. Flinders University, Adelaide, AU-SA, Australia
| | - Lauren Miller-Lewis
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Wayville, AU-SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer Tieman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying. Flinders University, Adelaide, AU-SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Impact of Leadership on Boosting Employee Creativity: The Role of Knowledge Sharing as a Mediator. ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/admsci12040175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the role that knowledge sharing plays in mediating the relationship between the employee trust in leadership and employee innovation in the service sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We included 346 people employed in the service industry. According to the study’s findings, having faith in one’s leader has a beneficial and discernibly positive impact on the degree to which employees share their knowledge and innovate. Knowledge sharing has a positive and substantial effect on the creativity of employees, and vice versa. According to the study’s findings, the openness of leaders partially mediates the willingness of employees to try new things and share information, which is a consequence of the trust that employees have in their leaders and their willingness to experiment with new concepts.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wright-Berryman JL, Huber MJ. Are funeral homes in the United States safe spaces for sexual and gender minorities? A website content analysis. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:962-968. [PMID: 36344086 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2143937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those aging into end-of-life care decisions, need safety cues to identify safe spaces to access equitable death care. We conducted a website content analysis of 90 randomly selected funeral homes across the United States to evaluate the presence of LGBTQIA+ safety cues, such as inclusive language, symbols, imagery, and LGBTQIA+-friendly collaborations. Results showed that none of the selected funeral homes displayed any kind of safety cues. A significant change in funeral home marketing strategies is warranted so sexual and gender minorities can easily locate inclusive and affirming death care services.
Collapse
|
5
|
Beaunoyer E, Guitton A, Guitton MJ. Online Presence of the Funeral Industry: The Example of the Quebec Federation of Funeral Cooperatives. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221111936. [PMID: 35766969 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The digitalization of modern societies has offered new tools for funeral industries to reach the communities they serve, ranging from using technologies in funeral planning, in commemoration of the dead, or to support the bereaved. The COVID-19 pandemic only pushed this need for online presence of the funeral industries further. We explore the digitalization of funeral industries through the example of Quebec (Canada), where many funeral institutions are regrouped under a federation of funeral cooperatives. We analyze how this influences the delivery of funeral services and allows the development of common services answering various needs of the population (e.g., a funding program for youth funerals, an ecological memorialization program, online grief support). Finally, we discuss how the federation's online presence contributes to its mission, and more largely whether it changes the perception of the industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Beaunoyer
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Guitton
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, Mines de Saint-Etienne, Clermont-Auvergne-INP, LIMOS, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Matthieu J Guitton
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
This paper applies social justice frameworks to "cemetery systems," which here denotes the framework by which each nation state orders the disposal of the dead, and which generally includes burial, cremation and the interment or scattering of cremated remains. An application of social justice theory indicates the desirability of certain key principles for all cemetery systems: decent disposal as a human right; democratic accountability; equality of access to services regardless of income; freedom of religious expression; and environmental sustainability. Achieving these principles is not necessarily straightforward, and conflict between principles is heightened by financialization and population densification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Rugg
- Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, Heslington, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Birrell J, Schut H, Stroebe M, Anadria D, Newsom C, Woodthorpe K, Rumble H, Corden A, Smith Y. Cremation and Grief: Are Ways of Commemorating the Dead Related to Adjustment Over Time? OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 81:370-392. [PMID: 32364006 PMCID: PMC7333516 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820919253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Funeral services are known to serve multiple functions for bereaved persons. There is also a common, intuitively reasonable assumption of positive associations between engaging in funeral activities and adjustment to bereavement. We examined whether restricting ceremonial cremation arrangements to a minimum has a negative association with grief over time. Bereaved persons in the United Kingdom completed questionnaires 2 to 5 months postloss and again a year later (N = 233 with complete data; dropout = 11.4%). Neither type nor elaborateness of the cremation service, nor satisfaction with arrangements (typically high), emerged as significantly related to grief; no major subgroup differences (e.g., according to income level) were found. Results suggested that it does not matter to grief whether a more minimalistic or elaborate funeral ceremony was observed. We concluded that the funeral industry represented in this investigation is offering bereaved people the range of choices regarding cremation arrangements to meet their needs. Limits to generalizability are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Birrell
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
| | - Henk Schut
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Margaret Stroebe
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Anadria
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cate Newsom
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
| | - Kate Woodthorpe
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
| | - Hannah Rumble
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Claverton Down, UK
| | - Anne Corden
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, Heslington, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rumbold B, Lowe J, Aoun SM. The Evolving Landscape: Funerals, Cemeteries, Memorialization, and Bereavement Support. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 84:596-616. [PMID: 32070208 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820904877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a better understanding of current memorialization practices and their influence on grief due to bereavement and to explore ways of improving bereavement outcomes. The qualitative research design incorporated two phases, a scoping literature review, followed by in-depth interviews with eight service providers from the funeral, cemetery, and crematorium industries across Australia. The trend toward informal memorialization practices blurs the roles of community members and formal industry service providers. A public health approach to bereavement support that encompasses both groups is recommended as the most appropriate response to the evolving landscape. This approach focuses on building partnerships between industry service providers and other community organizations involved in end-of-life issues. We propose that reframing the role of formal industry service providers as educators and facilitators partnered within compassionate communities will support improved outcomes for the bereaved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Rumbold
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Lowe
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hamid W, Jahangir MS, Khan TA, Maqbool T. Role of technology in restructuring the traditional practices around death and mourning in Kashmir. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 46:832-841. [PMID: 31838965 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1701146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Using a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study aimed to highlight the evolving technological dimensions of death and mourning practices and its transfer from a set physical setting to virtual and open space. The study was carried on 30 participants from Kashmir. Data was collected using in-depth face-to-face interviews and field notes were also used to capture non-verbal communication. The results of the study revealed that a considerable shift is being witnessed so far as death and mourning practices in Kashmir are concerned. The physical space is shrinking and giving way for virtual spaces to play their role in practices related to death and mourning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasia Hamid
- Department of Sociology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Batool R, Zaman K, Khurshid MA, Sheikh SM, Aamir A, Shoukry AM, Sharkawy MA, Aldeek F, Khader J, Gani S. Economics of death and dying: a critical evaluation of environmental damages and healthcare reforms across the globe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29799-29809. [PMID: 31407261 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The economics of death and dying highlighted that environmental factors negatively influence healthcare sustainability. Therefore, this study conducted a system-based literature review to identify the negative externality of environmental damages on global healthcare reforms. Based on 42 peer-reviewed papers in the field of healthcare reforms and 12 papers in the field of environmental hazards, we identified 25 factors associated with death and dying and 15 factors associated with health-related damages across the world respectively. We noted that environmental factors are largely responsible to affect healthcare sustainability reforms by associating with the number of healthcare diseases pertaining to air pollutants. The study suggests healthcare practitioners and environmentalists to devise long-term sustainable healthcare policies by limiting highly toxic air pollutants through technology-embodied green healthcare infrastructure to attained efficient global healthcare recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubeena Batool
- Gender and Development Studies Department, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Zaman
- Department of Economics, University of Wah, Quaid Avenue, Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khurshid
- Department of Business Administration, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salman Masood Sheikh
- Department of Business and Management Sciences, The Superior College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Alamzeb Aamir
- Department of Management Sciences, FATA University, F.R, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Alaa Mohamd Shoukry
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Administrative Science, KSA Workers University, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Fares Aldeek
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jameel Khader
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Showkat Gani
- College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Muzahimiyah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lowe J, Rumbold B, Aoun SM. Memorialization Practices Are Changing: An Industry Perspective on Improving Service Outcomes for the Bereaved. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2019; 84:69-90. [PMID: 31522603 DOI: 10.1177/0030222819873769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable research efforts have focused on bereavement outcomes following loss, there are few studies which address the role of memorialization, particularly as it relates to formal service provision. Currently the funeral, cemetery, and crematorium industries are observing a steady decline in traditional and formal memorialization practices. This study aims to identify current memorialization practices and emerging trends, highlight key priorities for improving service outcomes for the bereaved, and understand the implications of changing consumer preferences for service provision. The study's qualitative research design incorporates two phases, a scoping literature review followed by in-depth interviews with eight service providers from the funeral, cemetery, and crematorium industries. A key finding is that the trend toward contemporary and informal memorialization practices blurs the lines between the role of consumers and service providers. There is a clear opportunity for service providers to engage in community education as a means of building supportive relationships with and improving service outcomes for the bereaved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lowe
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce Rumbold
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rainsford S, Phillips CB, MacLeod RD, Wilson DM. Funeral and interment practices of rural residents: A mixed methods study. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:101-109. [PMID: 31151370 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1616853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There are few studies on interment preferences and practices for people in remote and rural regions of developed countries. This mixed methods study in rural Australia collated data on funeral and interment practices with an ethnographic exploration of the post-death preferences of terminally-ill rural residents. In the region, between February 2015 and May 2016, 44% of decedents were cremated. Burial preferences reflected family traditions, generational connections to historic cemeteries, and the wish to instantiate belonging to people and place. Cremation provided the opportunity for ashes to be scattered at personally-significant places. Funeral planning was important for patients and family caregivers, and funerals are valued rural community rituals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Rainsford
- Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Rod D MacLeod
- HammondCare, Greenwich, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Donna M Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aoun SM, Lowe J, Christian KM, Rumbold B. Is there a role for the funeral service provider in bereavement support within the context of compassionate communities? DEATH STUDIES 2018; 43:619-628. [PMID: 30265833 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1506835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study to explore bereaved individuals' experiences of funeral service providers using these services' databases. A total of 839 Australians participated in a postal survey, 6-24 months into their bereavement. Funeral providers were reported to be the third most prevalent form of bereavement support after friends and family. Analysis found six themes related to perceived helpful or unhelpful support: instrumental support, professionalism, informational support, financial tension, communication, and emotional support. Funeral providers could improve their support by adopting a proactive approach to bereavement needs and offering personalized and ongoing support. We develop these suggestions by exploring their potential contributions to building community capacity around death, dying and bereavement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Aoun
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
- Institute for Health Research, Notre Dame University , Fremantle , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Jennifer Lowe
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - Kim M Christian
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Bruce Rumbold
- Palliative Care Unit, Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Beard VR, Burger WC. Selling in a Dying Business: An Analysis of Trends During a Period of Major Market Transition in the Funeral Industry. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2017; 80:544-567. [PMID: 29235385 DOI: 10.1177/0030222817745430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As a result of recent economic changes in the United States and cultural changes among the population, the funeral industry has experienced a "legitimation crisis." The objective of this research is to examine new advertising and marketing strategies engaged in by professionals in the funeral industry to respond to market and cultural changes that have affected both the funeral industry at large and the role of the funeral director as a participant in this industry. A meta-analysis of articles from issues of the industry trade journal American Funeral Director for the years 2008 through 2015 was conducted. Two major themes emerged from the data. First, that funeral home owners should respond to market changes by using their assets for diverse reasons and second that forms of community engagement can create feelings of goodwill that will increase usage and loyalty from families. Within each of these major themes, a variety of subthemes emerged from the data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia R Beard
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, USA
| | - William C Burger
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|