Which of the following is NOT a cultural universal when it comes to death and dying
Many people experience grief and a sense of loss after the death of a loved one. But the ways in which they experience and express these feelings may differ across cultures. Culture is the mix of beliefs, values, behaviors, traditions, and rituals that members of a cultural group share. Each culture has its own rituals that influence the expression of grief. Carrying out these practices offers a sense of stability and security. Rituals can also help people who are dying and bring comfort to the loved ones who are preparing for their loss. Show
Culture and the meaning of deathEvery culture has its own set of beliefs that describe how the world works and people’s roles in the world. In societies in which most people share the same religion, religious beliefs significantly shape the culture. Each culture has its own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life and what happens after death. This informs how people in those cultures approach death. For example, people may find death more bearable if they believe in a life after death. In some cultures, people believe that the spirit of someone who has died directly influences the living family members. The family members are comforted by the belief that their loved one is watching over them. In general, beliefs about the meaning of death help people make sense of it and cope with its mystery. Cultural rituals regarding deathIn each culture, death is associated with rituals and customs to help people with the grieving process. Rituals offer people ways to process and express their grief. They also provide ways for the community to support the bereaved. A person who is bereaved is in a period of grief and mourning after a loss. Death can create a sense of chaos and confusion. Rituals and customs provide a sense of routine and normalcy. They provide a set of directions that help structure the time surrounding death. Also, they direct people’s roles during this time. Rituals and customs can help address:
Personal differences in grief and mourningPeople often adapt the beliefs and values of their culture to meet their unique needs and circumstances. As a result, grief responses within a culture vary from person to person. This is especially true in societies made up of people from many cultural backgrounds. A family with members from 2 or more cultural backgrounds may develop its own set of rituals and customs. In some instances, a person’s experience of grief may be at odds with cultural norms. For example, someone who is quiet and reserved may not feel comfortable crying in public as expected. Others may have a level of despair that feels out of step with cultural beliefs about life after death. Despite cultural norms, people need to grieve in ways that feel right to them. Grief and cultural sensitivityThere is no correct way to grieve. Mourning rituals that are normal to one culture may seem strange to another. It may be difficult to know how to be sensitive to a grieving person from a different cultural background. Consider the following questions as you seek to support a person with a different cultural background:
Consider talking with someone who shares that cultural background or searching for information on the Internet to learn more about the customs and mourning practices of a person from another culture. Related ResourcesCoping With Grief Coping With Change After a Loss What are examples of cultural universals?Examples of elements that may be considered cultural universals are gender roles, the incest taboo, religious and healing ritual, mythology, marriage, language, art, dance, music, cooking, games, jokes, sports, birth and death because they involve some sort of ritual ceremonies accompanying them, etc.
Which cultures celebrate death?Cultures That Celebrate Death. New Orleans – Jazz Funeral. via www.southernspaces.org. ... . Bali – Cremation. via www.balifloatingleaf.com. ... . Madagascar – Turning of the Bones. via www.amazon.com. ... . Ghana – Fantasy Coffins. via www.wikimedia.org. ... . Mexico – Dia de Muertos. via www.cnn.com.. What are the 7 cultural universals?There are 10 basic elements of every culture: geography, language, family, FCTS (food, clothing, transport, shelter), economics, education, politics, technology, VBR (values, beliefs, rituals), and cultural expression.
What are the common cultural aspects of death and dying?In each culture, death is associated with rituals and customs to help people with the grieving process. Rituals offer people ways to process and express their grief. They also provide ways for the community to support the bereaved. A person who is bereaved is in a period of grief and mourning after a loss.
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