|
|
 |
|
|
Last Rites: The Work of the Modern Funeral Director
Glennys Howarth
|
|
|
Death, Value and Meaning Series, John D. Morgan, Series Editor
IN PRAISE OF
"It is probably the most comprehensive account of modern undertaking
practice, or to use her term, "deathwork", that has ever been written.
This is a fascinating book which illuminates a subject that continues to be a
source of mystery, fear and suspicion. Howarth has left no historical,
sociological nor psychological stone unturned."
—Irene Renzenbrick, Director, Development of Hospice Bereavement Services
ABOUT THE BOOK
The funeral director exerts a powerful control over the after-death
system. As a key player in the funeral ceremony, guardian of the body,
and coordinator of related agencies, knowledge of the occupational role
of this deathworker is central to understanding death ritual in modern
societies. A principal theoretical foundation of the work is the object
of deathwork: the body. This inquiry examines societal taboos regarding
proximity to the corpse, and the techniques used by deathworkers to manage
and account for their ability to perform "dirty work." The modus operandi
and the rationalizations employed by undertakers not only influence the
shape of funeral rituals but also mold social and consumer expectations
of seemly mortuary behavior.
Secularization, consumerism and the increase of multi-cultural societies
have led to greater variety in funeral behavior. This study of deathwork
suggests a further impetus for diversity by considering the funeral director's
pursuit of professional respectability. Throughout the twentieth century,
undertakers have emulated the professions. This is reflected in their occupational
procedures, such as, initiating a code of ethics. In the early part of
the century, undertakers looked to the religious professions as a source
of appropriate mortuary symbolism. The emphasis for the modern funeral
director tends toward the application of "scientific" techniques, such
as embalming, to enhance the perception of quality in the product. This
innovation reflects an ideological shift from dependence on Christian religion
to more cosmopolitan belief systems.
Last Rites provides a unique tableau of the funeral director's
world. As such, it is a contribution to the growing literature on death
and dying. Like the study of deviance which aids understanding of the norms
of society, the sociology of death uncovers many insights into the very
structures and patterns which shape life.
|
| Baywood Publishing Company, Inc. |
| Phone: 631 691-1270 |
|
Fax: 631 691-1770 |
|
Toll free order line: 800-638-7819 |
|
Email: info@baywood.com |
|
|
|
