Full Description
All societies have their own customs and beliefs surrounding death. In the West, traditional ways of mourning are disappearing, and though science has had a major impact on views of death, it has taught us little about the way to die or to grieve. Many who come into contact with the dying and the bereaved from other cultures are at a loss to know how to offer appropriate and sensitive support. Death and Bereavement Across Cultures, provides a handbook with which to meet the needs of doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors and others involved in the care of the dying and bereaved. Written by international authorities in the field, this important text: * describes the rituals and beliefs of major world religions * explains their psychological and historical context * shows how customs change on contact with the West * considers the implications for the future This book explores the richness of mourning traditions around the world with the aim of increasing the understanding which we all bring to the issue of death.
Contents
Part IParkes, P. Laungani, B. Young, Introduction. C.M. Parkes, P. Laungani, B. Young, Culture and Religion. Part II: Major World Systems of Belief and Ritual. P.C. Rosenblatt, Grief in Small-scale Societies. P. Laungani, Death in a Hindu Family. U.P. Gielen, A Death on the Roof of the World: The Perspective of Tibetan Buddhism. E. Levine, Jewish Views and Customs on Death. H.T. Blanche, C.M. Parkes, Christianity. G. Jonker, The Many Facets of Islam: Death, Dying and Disposal Between Orthodox Rule and Historical Convention. T. Walter, Secularization. Part III: Practical Implications and Conclusions. B. Young, D. Papadatou, Childhood, Death and Bereavement Across Cultures. C.M. Parkes, Help for the Dying and Bereaved. P. Laungani, B. Young, Conclusions I: Implications for Practice and Policy. C.M. Parkes, Conclusions II: Attachments and Losses in Cross-cultural Perspective. Bibliography. Index.
