Handbook of the Sociology of Death, Grief, and Bereavement: A Guide to Theory and Practice

by Neil Thompson (Editor), Gerry R. Cox (Editor)

Overview

The Handbook of the Sociology of Death, Grief, and Bereavement sets issues of death and dying in a broad and holistic social context. Its three parts explore classical sociology, developments in sociological thought, and the ways that sociological insights can be useful across a broad spectrum of grief-related topics and concerns. Guidance is given in each chapter to help spur readers to examine other topics in thanatology through a sociological lens. Scholars, students, and professionals will come away from the handbook with a nuanced understanding of the social context –cultural differences, power relations, the role of social processes and institutions, and various other sociological factors – that shape grief experiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138201071
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/03/2017
Pages:	404
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Neil Thompson, PhD, DLitt, is a writer and online tutor and a visiting professor at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Wales, where he teaches on the MSc Advanced Practice in the Human Services.

Gerry R. Cox, PhD, is professor emeritus of sociology/archaeology and former director of the Center for Death Education and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword – Dr. Bob Bendiksen, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Preface

Acknowledgements

The editors

The contributors

Introduction

PART ONE

Sociological Foundations

Introduction to Part One

1. Emile Durkheim

Michael Brennan, England, UK

2. Max Weber

Jodie Croxall, Wales, UK and Michael Brennan, England, UK

3. Marxism

Neil Thompson, Wales, UK

4. George Herbert Mead

Gerry R. Cox, USA

5. Erving Goffman

Gerry R. Cox, USA

6. Women’s Contributions to Classical Sociology

June Allan, Australia

PART TWO

Sociological Developments

Introduction to Part Two

7. Michel Foucault

Neil Thompson and Eryl Owen, Wales, UK

8. Pierre Bourdieu

Neil Small, England, UK

9. Existentialism

Neil Thompson, Wales, UK

10. Continuing Bonds

Dennis Klass, USA

11. An Egalitarian Perspective

Darcy Harris, Canada

12. Disenfranchised Grief

Neil Thompson, Wales, UK and Kenneth Doka, USA

PART THREE

Contemporary Issues and Debates

Introduction to Part Three

13. Dark Tourism

Erin Dermody, Canada

14. Aging and Ageism

Sue Thompson, Wales, UK

15. Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Wulf Livingston, Wales, UK

16. Culturally Competent Practice

Neil Thompson, Wales, UK

17. Toward a Sociology of Terrorism

Gerry R. Cox, USA and Neil Thompson, Wales, UK

18. Is Grief a Disease? The Medicalization of Grief by the Psy-Disciplines in the 21^st Century

Leeat Granek, Israel

19. Being-in-the-World of the Sociological Imagination: Understanding Living with and Beyond Cancer

Jan Pascal and Olivia Sagan, England, UK

20. Death, Grief, and Virtual Connections: The Role of Social Media for Social Support and Memorialization

Kathleen R. Gilbert, USA

21. Infertility and Loss: Conception and Motherhood in the Era of Assisted Reproductive Technology

Iris Po Yee Lo and Celia Hoi Yan Chan

22. The Demise of Accountability in Public Services: A Dilemma Exemplified by the Hidden Sepsis Crisis

Paul Stepney, Finland

23. The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Grieving

Neil Thompson, Wales, UK

24. A Cultural Sociological Review of Chinese Funeral Rituals

Sharon Chan and Amy Chow, Hong Kong, China

Afterword – Dr. Inge Corless, USA

Index

Editorial Reviews

"A fascinating and important departure from conventional thinking on death, grief, and bereavement, this collection of essays extends our understanding via a sociological lens, opening up for inspection issues such as culture, gender, and place. As such, this book is a magnificent tour de force in its scope and depth, embedding a fresh disciplinary analysis to this field of study." – Professor Charlotte Williams, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

"This is an astoundingly valuable book that combines a depth of knowledge and insight with genuine accessibility for readers who may be exploring these issues for the first time. Its international scope and the broad range of topics make it a must read for academics, researchers, practitioners, and students. Expertly edited by two internationally respected authors, this book not only fills many gaps in the existing literature: it opens up new and thought-provoking areas of debate." – Bernard Moss, Emeritus Professor, Staffordshire University, England

"An innovative, insightful, comparative and compelling handbook on issues associated with death, grief and bereavement grounded through sociological intersections. This handbook is a leader in its field and deserves to be widely cited given its authenticity and impact."– Professor Jason Powell, University of Chester, England

From the Publisher