Death and Dying in AmericaISBN: 978-0-7456-3915-4
Paperback
220 pages
June 2009, Polity
Other Available Formats: Hardcover
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Throughout the text the authors highlight the importance of two
key factors in American society which determine who dies and under
what circumstances: persistent social inequality and the American
consumerist ethic. These features are explored through a discussion
of topics ranging from debates about euthanasia to deaths resulting
from war and terrorism; from the death of a child to
children’s experience of grieving and bereavement; and from
beliefs about life after death to more practical issues such as the
disposal of the dead body.
Drawing on sociological, anthropological, philosophical, and historical research the authors present the salient features of death and dying for upper-level students across the social sciences. For anyone interested in learning more about the end of life, this book will provide a useful and accessible perspective on the uniquely American understanding of death and dying.