Sociology of Death & Dying: Key Concepts in Thanatology and Cultural Norms

What is Thanatology?

The study of dying, death, and bereavement.

Define sociology.

The systematic study of human social interaction and social groups.

What is culture?

The rules, ideas, and beliefs shared by members of a society, learned directly or indirectly.

What is direct learning in culture?

Acquiring culture through deliberate instruction by other society members.

What is indirect learning in culture?

Learning norms of culture by observing others in society.

What is cultural assimilation?

The process by which a person or culture comes to resemble those of another group.

What is culture shock?

Feelings of disorientation, uncertainty, and fear experienced when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.

Define cultural diffusion.

The process by which a cultural item spreads from group to group or society to society.

What is a subculture?

A division or smaller identifiable unit of a culture having unique traits.

What are folkways?

Loyal customs that are less compulsive than mores and do not call for a strong reaction if violated.

What are mores?

Morally significant behaviors that call for a strong reaction from society if violated.

What are laws in sociological terms?

Formalized actions prescribed by an authority that can enforce compliance.

What is a taboo?

A social prohibition against certain actions or behaviors.

What is ethnocentrism?

The emotional attitude that one's own group is superior to all others.

What is cultural relativism?

The emotional attitude that all cultures are pertinent and should be understood in their own context.

What is the purpose of sociology in funeral service?

To understand funeral rites as a cultural universal and their social functions.

What is the 'death-denying society'?

A modern culture that minimizes the reality of death and dying, often medicalizing it.

What is the death-awareness movement?

Also known as thanatology, it focuses on the study of life with death as a significant aspect.

What are the four dimensions of education about death, dying, and bereavement?

Cognitive, Affective, Behavioral, and Valuational dimensions.

What is the cognitive dimension of death education?

Focuses on intellectual understanding and factual information about death.

What is the affective dimension of death education?

Concerns feelings and emotions related to death and grief.

What is the behavioral dimension of death education?

Examines how people behave around death and the skills needed to support others.

What is the valuational dimension of death education?

Addresses values and meanings of life and death, affirming the significance of life.

What are the six goals of education about death, dying, and bereavement?

1. Enrich personal lives, 2. Inform individuals about societal roles, 3. Prepare individuals for public roles, 4. Guide individuals in transactions with society, 5. Increase awareness of end-of-life care, 6. Clarify important social issues.